Iranian strikes on military bases used by the US in the Middle East caused about $800m (£600m) 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 after the US and Israel launched the war, according to a report by the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) and an analysis by the BBC. The full extent of the damage caused by Iranian strikes on US assets in the region is not clear. But the $800m in estimated damage to US military infrastructure — a figure that's higher than has been previously reported — offers a picture of the steep costs to the US as the conflict drags on.
The damage to US bases in the region has been underreported, said Mark Cancian, a CSIS senior adviser and co-author of the think tank study. Although that appears to be extensive, the full amount won't be known until more information is available.
In response to a request for comment, the US Department of Defense referred the BBC to US Central Command, which is leading the war. Officials there declined to comment.
Iran's retaliatory strikes targeted US air-defense and satellite-communication systems, among other assets, in Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries across the Middle East. A significant portion of damage was caused by a strike on a US radar for a Thaad missile defense system at an air base in Jordan. The AN/TPY-2 radar system costs approximately $485m according to a CSIS review of defense department budget documents. The air-defense systems are used for the long-range interception of ballistic missiles.
Strikes by Iran caused an additional $310m in estimated damage to buildings, facilities, and other infrastructure on US bases and military bases used by American forces in the region. Iran also has struck at least three air bases more than once, according to analysis of satellite imagery by BBC Verify, underscoring Iran's effort to target specific US assets. Russia has reportedly shared intelligence with Tehran on American military forces in the region.
The US has lost 13 military service members since President Trump joined Israel in launching the attacks on Iran on February 28. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (Hrana) estimates the overall death toll has reached nearly 3,200, including 1,400 civilians. Trump stated that the US is on track to achieve his military objectives and the ongoing war is causing significant economic disruption globally. The Pentagon is seeking an additional $200bn in funding for the war as costs escalate.
The damage to US bases in the region has been underreported, said Mark Cancian, a CSIS senior adviser and co-author of the think tank study. Although that appears to be extensive, the full amount won't be known until more information is available.
In response to a request for comment, the US Department of Defense referred the BBC to US Central Command, which is leading the war. Officials there declined to comment.
Iran's retaliatory strikes targeted US air-defense and satellite-communication systems, among other assets, in Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries across the Middle East. A significant portion of damage was caused by a strike on a US radar for a Thaad missile defense system at an air base in Jordan. The AN/TPY-2 radar system costs approximately $485m according to a CSIS review of defense department budget documents. The air-defense systems are used for the long-range interception of ballistic missiles.
Strikes by Iran caused an additional $310m in estimated damage to buildings, facilities, and other infrastructure on US bases and military bases used by American forces in the region. Iran also has struck at least three air bases more than once, according to analysis of satellite imagery by BBC Verify, underscoring Iran's effort to target specific US assets. Russia has reportedly shared intelligence with Tehran on American military forces in the region.
The US has lost 13 military service members since President Trump joined Israel in launching the attacks on Iran on February 28. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (Hrana) estimates the overall death toll has reached nearly 3,200, including 1,400 civilians. Trump stated that the US is on track to achieve his military objectives and the ongoing war is causing significant economic disruption globally. The Pentagon is seeking an additional $200bn in funding for the war as costs escalate.
