Iran’s recent attacks have demonstrated its ability to challenge the long-standing US military presence in the Middle East, Britain’s The Telegraph newspaper reported, arguing that American bases once central to Washington’s “forward defense” strategy have increasingly become vulnerable targets.
As reported by IRAF, The Telegraph noted that following the end of the 1991 Gulf War, the United States established an extensive network of military and logistical bases in Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, with the stated aim of strengthening deterrence against Iran.
Recent developments, however, have shown that these installations may no longer serve solely as a deterrent and have instead become potential targets for Iranian attacks, the newspaper said.
Heavy damage and mounting costs
According to the US Congressional Budget Office, the war against Iran has so far cost American taxpayers $38 billion, while monthly costs could reach as much as $3 billion depending on the scope of military operations.
An assessment by the Pentagon’s inspector general has also reported extensive damage to hundreds of buildings and structures at US military bases.
Satellite imagery of Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia and the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain has revealed the scale of the damage, according to the report.
Arab allies reassess reliance on Washington
The newspaper said serious discussions are underway in Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and Doha over the extent to which their security should continue to depend on the United States.
Arab leaders are now confronting the question of whether such extensive reliance on a foreign power for their security was the right strategic choice.
Saudi Arabia has also signaled moves toward diversifying its security arrangements by signing defense agreements with Pakistan and Turkey.
The end of the Carter Doctrine?
In its assessment, The Telegraph pointed to the Carter Doctrine, established in 1979, which defined the security of Gulf energy supplies as part of US national security.
Nearly half a century later, the newspaper argued, Donald Trump has effectively set that doctrine aside.
According to The Telegraph, Iran’s defensive attacks have not only increased the costs facing the United States but have also challenged the strategic foundations of Washington’s military presence in the region.
