BBC: Iranian strikes on US bases in Middle East cause $800 million in damage

Iranian attacks on U.S. military installations across the Middle East have caused an estimated $800 million in damage during the first two weeks of the conflict, according to a new analysis by the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) reviewed by BBC.

Much of the destruction occurred during Iran’s initial retaliatory strikes in the week following U.S. and Israeli military operations. The analysis highlights that the full extent of damage to U.S. assets in the region remains unclear, but the figure surpasses previous estimates and underscores the high financial costs of the ongoing conflict.

Mark Cancian, a CSIS senior adviser and co-author of the study, said the damage “has been underreported” and noted that the total impact will only become clear as more information emerges.

The strikes targeted U.S. air-defense and satellite-communication systems in Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries across the Middle East. A major portion of the damage came from an attack on a U.S. radar for a THAAD missile defense system at an air base in Jordan. The AN/TPY-2 radar alone is valued at approximately $485 million. Additional damage to buildings, facilities, and other infrastructure on U.S. and allied bases is estimated at $310 million.

Satellite imagery analyzed by BBC Verify shows that at least three air bases—Ali Al-Salim in Kuwait, Al-Udeid in Qatar, and Prince Sultan in Saudi Arabia—were hit multiple times, reflecting Iran’s focus on key U.S. assets. Reports suggest that Russia has provided Tehran with intelligence on American forces in the region.

The conflict has also resulted in human casualties. The United States has lost 13 military personnel since the strikes began on February 28, following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran. Meanwhile, the Human Rights Activists News Agency (Hrana) estimates nearly 3,200 deaths overall, including approximately 1,400 civilians.

By Sabina Mammadli