According to Saed News, the Telegram channel "Persian Gulf Studies" published an article titled **"Map of the Deployment of American Forces in Gulf and Regional Bases."
The first U.S. military presence in the Middle East dates back to July 1985, when the United States deployed combat forces to Beirut during Lebanon’s internal crisis. At its peak, the number of American troops in Lebanon reached around 15,000, including both Navy and Army personnel.
As of mid-2025, the number of U.S. military personnel in the Middle East is estimated to be between 40,000 and 50,000, stationed across large permanent bases as well as smaller forward positions throughout the region.
Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which was targeted moments ago by Iranian missiles, is the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East. Established in 1996, it covers an area of over 24 hectares and has the capacity to host nearly 100 aircraft, including drones.
With approximately 10,000 troops stationed there, Al-Udeid serves as the advanced headquarters of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and has played a central role in U.S. military operations in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan.
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