The conflict in the Middle East has already led to the closure of huge swathes of crucial airspace. Since Israel launched its offensive, commercial flights have avoided flying over Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan.

Satellite imagery and rising tensions have placed US air bases in the Middle East, especially Qatar’s Al Udeid, under increased scrutiny. The region hosts eight permanent US bases, now on alert following threats of Iranian retaliation.

The US has a number of military bases in Iraq, including two air fields - the Al-Harir and Al Asad air bases - and dozens of camps and outposts. These bases were repeatedly targeted by pro-Iran militant groups after Israel’s invasion of Gaza in October 2023.