Iranian strikes on military bases used by the US in the Middle East caused about $800 million (£600 million) in damage in the first two weeks of the war, a new analysis shows.
Much of the damage was caused in initial retaliatory strikes by Iran in the week following the launch of war by the US and Israel, according to a report from the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) and an analysis by the BBC.
The total extent of the damage caused by Iranian strikes on US assets in the region is not fully clear. However, the $800 million in estimated damages - a higher figure than previously reported - sheds light on the considerable costs the US faces as the conflict continues.
Mark Cancian, a senior adviser at CSIS and co-author of the study, noted, The damage to US bases in the region has been underreported. Although that appears to be extensive, the full amount won't be known until more information is available.
Official responses from the US Department of Defense were directed to US Central Command, which has refrained from commenting. Iran’s retaliatory strikes primarily targeted US air-defense and satellite-communication systems in countries such as Jordan and the UAE.
A significant portion of the damage was inflicted on a US radar for a Thaad missile defense system at an air base in Jordan, valued at approximately $485 million, according to CSIS review of defense department budgets.
Additional damage of about $310 million was estimated for buildings and infrastructures on US bases and military facilities utilized by American forces in the region.
Iran has executed multiple strikes on at least three air bases, with evidence suggesting concerted efforts to hit specific US military assets. Notably, satellite imagery has revealed increasing damage at these locations throughout varying phases of the conflict.
The ongoing conflict has now reportedly incurred costs upwards of $16.5 billion, with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicating actions necessitating further funding for military interventions.
As the war continues to unfold, the implications for US military assets and broader geopolitical stability remain a critical concern.
