<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao described the damage caused by Iranian missiles to Naval Support Activity Bahrain, stating, "They blew the hell out of Bahrain." This assessment follows comments from Navy Admiral Daryl Caudle, who informed sailors evacuated from NSA-Bahrain that they would not be returning soon.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A debate has emerged regarding the future of NSA-Bahrain and other U.S. bases affected by Iranian missile strikes. U.S. officials are considering whether to rebuild, downsize, or abandon these bases due to their vulnerability. The decision about the Navy's return to the Gulf is now influenced by Iran's ability to restrict access to the Strait of Hormuz.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Iran has long aimed to drive U.S. military presence out of the Gulf. The recent withdrawal of the Fifth Fleet and the damage to NSA-Bahrain have raised questions about U.S. maritime dominance in the region. Iran seeks to change the status of the Fifth Fleet from a permanent fixture to a negotiable aspect of regional security.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In June, Iran signed a memorandum of understanding intended to ensure safe passage in Hormuz for commercial vessels, but it did not address U.S. warships. This omission has raised concerns about the separation of commercial shipping from U.S. naval access, a distinction Iran may leverage in future negotiations.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The U.S. response to any Iranian offer to reopen Hormuz while excluding the Navy could be viewed as a significant setback for U.S. maritime power. Conversely, insisting on the previous status quo poses risks, particularly if it requires military confrontation with Iran.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Since the onset of the conflict, the Navy has refrained from returning to the Gulf due to the risks posed by Iranian missiles. The U.S. military has focused on alleviating Iran's control over Hormuz, utilizing aerial and unmanned assets to protect commercial vessels navigating the strait.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There may be an alternative approach that redefines naval operations in the region, potentially involving a new command center at NSA-Bahrain that coordinates operations with drones rather than relying solely on large ships.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The future of Hormuz is critical in evaluating the U.S. war against Iran. The outcome will not only affect global trade but also determine the operational effectiveness of the U.S. Navy in a region where it has historically held dominance.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>John Hannah served in the George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush administrations, including as national security adviser to former Vice President Dick Cheney. He is currently a senior fellow at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America, where Rena Gagger is a research associate.</em></p>