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 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. However, the $800 million in estimated damage to US military infrastructure - a figure that's higher than previously reported - offers a picture of the steep costs to the US as the conflict drags on.
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 that appears to be extensive, the full amount won't be known until more information becomes available.
In response to requests for comment, the US Department of Defense referred inquiries 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 nearby countries. One significant instance was a strike on a US radar system for a Thaad missile defense at an air base in Jordan, which alone is valued at about $485 million. Additional damages estimated at $310 million were incurred by other buildings, facilities, and infrastructure on US military bases.
According to the analysis of satellite imagery, Iran has repeatedly targeted at least three air bases, focusing on American assets, with support from Russian intelligence regarding US military operations.
As the conflict continues, the Pentagon has reported significant operational costs, indicating a need for additional funding totaling $200 billion for ongoing military efforts.
