Iranian strikes on US military bases in the Middle East have caused approximately $800 million (£600 million) in damage during the first two weeks of the war, according to a new analysis. Much of this damage resulted from initial retaliatory strikes by Iran in the week after the US and Israel launched the war. A report by the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) indicates that this figure is higher than previously reported, highlighting the steep costs to the US as the conflict drags on, with the full extent of damage still unclear.
Mark Cancian, a CSIS senior adviser and co-author of the study, stated, "The damage to US bases in the region has been underreported. Although it appears extensive, the full amount won’t be known until more information is available." In response to a BBC request for comment, the US Department of Defense referred to US Central Command, but officials declined to comment. Iran's retaliatory strikes targeted US air-defense and satellite-communication systems in Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and other Middle Eastern countries, with a significant portion of damage attributed to a strike on a Thaad missile defense radar at an air base in Jordan.
The AN/TPY-2 radar system costs around $485 million based on a CSIS review of defense budget documents. Additionally, Iranian strikes caused an estimated $310 million in damages to buildings, facilities, and other infrastructure on US bases. Analysis of satellite imagery by BBC Verify shows that Iran has struck at least three air bases multiple times, underscoring its efforts to target specific US assets. The war has also rattled the global economy, with the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz and uncertainty over the conflict's duration and potential US ground troop deployment.
US President Donald Trump has claimed that the US is on track to achieve its goals of destroying Iran's nuclear program, degrading its conventional military power, and ending the government's support for proxy groups in the region. However, the prolonged nature of the war and high US costs, including $11.3 billion for the first six days and $16.5 billion for the first 12 days as reported by CSIS, cast doubt on these assertions. The Pentagon is requesting an additional $200 billion in funding for the war, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noting that the figure "could move," further straining the financial resources of the US regime amid ongoing challenges.
Source: www.bbc.com