US troop presence in Gulf under scrutiny after Iran attacks and Hormuz shutdown

Iran launched attacks on at least 20 U.S. military installations across eight countries, damaging or destroying roughly 228 structures, including hangars, barracks, aircraft and air‑defence systems. The strikes forced U.S. forces to relocate to hotels and office buildings throughout the region. The conflict, described by commentators as the failed "Operation Epic Fury," prompted Tehran to close the Strait of Hormuz, cutting about 20 % of global oil shipments.

The United States maintains an average of 40,000‑45,000 personnel in known bases across West Asia, a presence built since the Iraq wars to protect oil supplies and deter a potential regional hegemon. Critics argue the extensive deployment is counter‑productive, citing the recent Iranian attacks and the oil‑supply disruption as evidence that the U.S. presence does not ensure stability. They note that no single regional power currently has the political, economic or military capacity to dominate the Gulf, and that the U.S. strategy may be inflating tensions without delivering the intended security benefits.