Iran strikes push US to consider moving bases to Israel

Washington: The United States is considering relocating some military bases from West Asia to Israel after Iranian drone attacks caused heavier damage than widely believed during the war with Iran, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

Citing US officials, the report said more than 20 American military bases and diplomatic facilities across the region were attacked after the conflict began in late February. The losses have prompted Washington to review its military deployment strategy, including shifting key facilities to western locations such as Israel, which are considered less vulnerable to Iranian drone attacks.

Satellite images, videos and accounts from current and former military officials reportedly indicate the destruction was far greater than initially estimated. However, the US Department of Defense has not officially confirmed the findings.

Some military installations were reportedly damaged beyond repair, with reconstruction costs estimated at more than $400 million. Similar plans to move US bases outside the range of Iranian drones were discussed during President Donald Trump's first term but were never implemented.

The reassessment comes despite the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, as tensions continue over monitoring future negotiations and control of the Strait of Hormuz. Fresh concerns have emerged after a vessel attempting to cross the strategic waterway came under attack, raising fears over the durability of the truce.

Iran had earlier warned it could not guarantee the safety of ships using routes other than those it had designated. The latest attack reportedly targeted a vessel that ignored those instructions, fuelling concerns that renewed maritime confrontations could disrupt diplomatic efforts and further destabilise the region despite the ceasefire.