Iranian strikes on bases used by US caused $800m in damage, new analysis shows
New Analysis Reveals $800M in Damage from Iranian Strikes on US Bases in Middle East
Iranian attacks on U.S. military installations in the Middle East have caused approximately $800 million in damage within the initial two weeks of the conflict, as revealed by a recent assessment. This figure, higher than previous estimates, underscores the escalating costs for the United States as the war continues. The analysis, conducted by the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) and verified through BBC research, suggests that significant damage occurred during Iran’s first wave of retaliation after the U.S. and Israel’s offensive began.
Damage Surpasses Earlier Reports
While the full scope of the damage remains unclear, the $800 million estimate offers insight into the financial toll on U.S. infrastructure. Mark Cancian, a senior adviser at CSIS and co-author of the study, noted that the damage to U.S. bases has been underreported. “Although the extent seems considerable, the exact total will only be known once more details emerge,” he stated.
“We’re doing extremely well in Iran,” said Trump at a White House event on Friday.
Targeting Key Defense Systems
The strikes focused on critical systems, including air-defense networks and satellite communication infrastructure, across Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and other Middle Eastern nations. A major portion of the damage stemmed from an attack on a U.S. radar system for the Thaad missile defense at an air base in Jordan. The AN/TPY-2 radar, valued at around $485 million based on defense budget reviews, was a primary target.
Additional losses totaled $310 million in damages to buildings, facilities, and other infrastructure on U.S. and allied military bases. This indicates Iran’s persistent targeting of strategic locations. Satellite imagery also shows repeated strikes at three air bases—Ali Al-Salim in Kuwait, Al-Udeid in Qatar, and Prince Sultan in Saudi Arabia—emphasizing the regime’s focus on these sites.
Global Economic Impact and Uncertainty
The war has disrupted global markets, with the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz adding to economic concerns. Uncertainty about the conflict’s duration and potential U.S. ground troop deployments further heightens instability. Despite restrictions on imagery releases by major U.S. providers, analysts have identified patterns in Iran’s attacks, such as targeting radar and satellite systems from the outset.
Satellite data reveals that two radomes—protective housings for sensitive equipment—were destroyed, likely signaling damage to underlying systems. Smoke from a Thaad radar component was visible at Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base, while more severe damage occurred at U.S. bases in the UAE and Jordan. The extent of this damage remains uncertain, though it prompted the U.S. to move Thaad components from South Korea to the region.
Costs and Casualties
Defense officials reportedly informed Congress that the first six days of the war cost $11.3 billion, rising to $16.5 billion in the first twelve days, according to CSIS. The U.S. has also lost 13 military personnel since the attacks started on 28 February. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (Hrana) estimates the overall death toll at nearly 3,200, including 1,400 civilians.
