Up to date Sept. 11, 2026, 2:49 p.m. ET
The civilian head of the Navy has confirmed {that a} key U.S. Navy base within the Center East was broken in current combating within the Iran conflict, in line with a brand new report.
“They blew the hell out of Bahrain,” appearing Navy Secretary Hung Cao advised The Epoch Instances on Sept. 9, referring to Naval Help Exercise Bahrain, which is house to the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and the U.S. Fifth Fleet.
Satellite tv for pc imagery and information experiences beforehand verified that Iranian missiles have induced intensive harm to the bottom courting to the beginning of the conflict in February, however Cao’s remark affords a stark new affirmation of the scope of destruction.
Cao additionally advised the outlet that he has “a process pressure that is taking a look at” whether or not the Navy must restore the bottom to maintain forces within the area.
USA TODAY has reached out to the Navy Central Command for remark.
Iranian international minister reacts to appearing Navy secretary’s feedback
In response to Cao’s feedback, Iranian International Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi wrote on social media, “We recognize the candor of Appearing Navy Secretary Hung Cao.”
“Our highly effective Armed Forces did certainly ‘blow the hell out of the fifth Fleet HQ in Bahrain,’ in addition to different bases supporting U.S. aggression,” he wrote. “The American individuals deserve higher than footing the invoice for Israel’s wars.”
The remark from Cao comes after Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle, at an Aug. 31 city corridor, advised a sailor who was displaced from the bottom to not count on to return within the close to time period.
“We’re not getting again in there anytime quickly,” Caudle stated.
Melina Khan is a nationwide trending reporter for USA TODAY. Sustain along with her on X @melinakh and Instagram @bymelinakhan.
