On the night between Saturday and Sunday, the United States launched a targeted strike on three Iranian nuclear sites located near Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The operation involved seven B2 stealth bombers that took off from Missouri toward Iran and dropped fourteen GBU-57 bombs. These projectiles, capable of penetrating several dozen meters of concrete and rock before exploding, are designed to neutralize underground infrastructure.

Donald Trump, who had pledged during his campaign to resolve conflicts without resorting to new wars, is thus returning to a tradition of American military interventionism in the Middle East. This action aims to support Israel, a strategic U.S. ally, in its determination to prevent Iran from finalizing its military nuclear program. Tehran, perceived as a threat to Israel since the Islamic Republic was established in 1979, responded verbally through Ali Akbar Velayati, advisor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, declaring: “There is no longer any room for America or its bases in this region.”

In this context, it is important to examine the geopolitics of the Arabian-Persian Gulf and the American military footprint in the region. This Gulf, situated between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran, is bordered by eight countries: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. It represents a major strategic area: its shores and seabed hold vast hydrocarbon reserves. The Gulf produces about one-third of the world’s oil, holds over half of known reserves, supplies 17% of the world’s natural gas, and contains 40% of global gas reserves.

The Strait of Hormuz, only 45 kilometers wide, separates Oman’s Musandam Peninsula from Iran. This strategic passage connects the Arabian-Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean and is a key transit point for global energy exports.

Since 1945, the United States has maintained a significant military presence in the region, with around 40,000 troops deployed as of 2025. In Bahrain, it operates the Fifth Fleet and the headquarters of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. In Iraq, despite the government’s closeness with Iran, U.S. bases at Al-Asad and Erbil host around 2,500 troops as part of the fight against ISIS. Kuwait is home to several strategic installations, including Camp Arifjan and the Ali Al Salem Air Base. In Qatar, Al-Udeid Air Base serves as a central hub for U.S. operations. In Syria, the United States also maintains a military presence under the pretext of combating the Islamic State. Finally, in the United Arab Emirates, Al-Dhafra Air Base is another forward U.S. post, located near a French airbase.