Iranian Attacks Cause Nearly $80 Million in Damage to US Military Bases: Analysis
Image source, Planet labs PBC and Airbus
A new analysis shows that Iranian attacks on US military bases in the Middle East have caused approximately $80 million (equivalent to over ten billion Nepali rupees) in damage during the first two weeks of the conflict.
The substantial damage occurred during a week of Iranian retaliation following strikes by Israel and the United States, according to a report and analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
Full details of the damage inflicted by Iran on US facilities in the region have yet to be fully clarified.
Damage Exceeds Previous Estimates
The estimated damage to American military infrastructure, approximately $80 million, is higher than previously understood, indicating a more costly toll for the US in this ongoing war.
“The assessment of damage to US bases in the region has been underestimated,” said Mark Cancian, senior adviser and co-author of the CSIS study.
“The damage appears extensive, but its exact magnitude cannot be determined without further information.”
When asked for comment, the US Department of Defense directed inquiries to US Central Command, which oversees the conflict. Central Command officials declined to comment.
Iranian retaliatory strikes targeted US air defense and satellite communication systems.
These systems were located in Jordan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and other Middle Eastern countries.
A major portion of the extensive damage was inflicted on the radar of the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) missile defense system at an air base in Jordan.
Analysis of Department of Defense budget documents by CSIS indicates the cost of the AN/TPY-2 radar system is approximately $48.5 million.
Such air defense systems are used to intercept long-range ballistic missiles.
Increased Damage to Structures
Iranian attacks have caused an additional estimated $31 million worth of damage to US camps, military buildings, and other structures in the area.
Analysis of satellite images reveals that Iran has launched multiple attacks on at least three US air bases.
The increasingly frequent strikes clearly indicate an Iranian intent to target US bases.
It is reported that Russia has provided Tehran with intelligence on the locations of US military forces in the region.
Satellite images show various damages at Al Ali Al-Salim base in Kuwait, Al Udeid base in Qatar, and Prince Sultan air base in Saudi Arabia.
Since President Donald Trump authorized the deployment of US forces following Israel’s attack on Iran on February 28, 13 American soldiers have lost their lives.
According to the human rights activists news agency HRANA, the conflict has resulted in 3,200 deaths so far, including 1,400 civilians.
President Trump has stated that the US aims to destroy Iran’s nuclear program, dismantle its conventional military capabilities, and halt support to allied groups in the region.
“We are doing a very good job in Iran as required,” Trump said in an event at the White House on Friday.
However, the war has disrupted the Strait of Hormuz shipping route. Uncertainty over the conflict’s duration and whether Trump will deploy ground troops has caused instability in the global economy.
Where Are the Iranian Attacks Concentrated?
Analysis of satellite imagery has been hampered by restrictions imposed by US agencies.
Nevertheless, the patterns of Iranian retaliatory actions against US military interests in the region are identifiable.
For the first time, the radar and satellite systems at the US naval base in Bahrain appear to have been targeted in initial attacks.
These systems provide visual and acoustic surveillance for modern military operations.
Satellite imagery shows two Radome Sentinels, which protect sensitive equipment, have been destroyed.
It is possible the entire system has been damaged, although the full extent remains uncertain.
Radar installations at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait and the Prince Sultan air base in Saudi Arabia were also struck.
Images show smoke rising from the radar of the THAAD air defense system located at the Prince Sultan air base.
Additional damage has been observed on THAAD systems in the UAE and Jordan, though the damage value there remains unclear.
Following these strikes, the US reportedly relocated THAAD system components from South Korea to the Middle East.
However, the cost of damage caused by Iranian attacks is a small fraction of the total US expenditure on this conflict.
According to information provided to members of Congress, the US spent $1.13 billion (approximately 170 billion Nepali rupees) in the first six days of the war.
CSIS reports the total expenditure reached $1.65 billion (around 250 billion Nepali rupees) within the first twelve days.
The Pentagon has requested an additional $20 billion budget for the war, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has indicated that this amount could change.
“You need money to kill evil people,” Hegseth stated.
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