Europe's 40 Bases Underpin US Iran Campaign
Despite public declarations of non-involvement from several European leaders, a network of approximately 40 U.S. military bases across Europe, staffed by 80,000 personnel, is providing the critical logistical backbone for "Operation Epic Fury" against Iran. Ramstein Air Base in Germany has emerged as the nerve center, directing U.S. attack drones and coordinating long-range strikes. In the United Kingdom, B-1 heavy bombers have been armed and launched from RAF Fairford for missions targeting Iranian assets.
This extensive infrastructure allows the U.S. to project military power far more efficiently than from the continental United States. Key installations in Italy, Portugal, France, and Greece are also facilitating the operation. Refueling aircraft operating from bases in Italy and France enable long-range bombing runs, while Souda Bay in Crete provides a vital port for naval assets, including the damaged USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier. U.S. Air Force Gen. Alexus Grynkewich confirmed the alliance's importance, stating most European allies “have been extremely supportive.”
Oil Chokepoint Drives Conflict as Brent Nears $110
The military operation centers on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies that has been shuttered by Iran for months. The conflict has already pushed Brent crude prices toward $110 per barrel, with analysts warning that a protracted standoff could send prices above $150. The strait handles nearly 20% of the world's petroleum, and its closure is creating fuel affordability crises across Europe and Asia.
U.S. strategic planning for "Operation Epic Fury" reportedly includes options to seize or blockade Iran's Kharg Island, the terminal responsible for approximately 90% of the country's crude oil exports. Such a move would be a significant escalation designed to cripple Iran's primary revenue source and force a resolution. However, former military commanders warn that a ground operation would be complex, requiring a battalion-sized force of 800 to 1,000 troops just to secure the island, which lies just 15 miles off the Iranian coast.
Political Rifts Expose Strategic Dependencies
The reliance on European support has exposed both political divisions and strategic vulnerabilities. Spain broke with its allies by denying the U.S. permission to use its bases for attacks on Iran, forcing some aircraft to relocate to Germany and France. Similarly, the United Kingdom's government initially barred U.S. access before permitting "defensive" bombing missions. German officials have also publicly ruled out direct involvement, even while Ramstein Air Base serves as a central hub for the U.S. operations.
This complex arrangement highlights Europe's indispensable role in U.S. global military strategy. The necessity of using the Greek base at Souda Bay for repairs to the USS Gerald R. Ford underscores the practical limitations of U.S. carrier strike groups and the value of fixed overseas bases. The ongoing conflict is also placing significant strain on U.S. military stockpiles, particularly missile interceptors, raising concerns about readiness for other global contingencies.
