Washington: Iran’s retaliatory attacks on American military installations across the Middle East have resulted in an estimated $800 million in damage within the first two weeks of the ongoing conflict, according to a joint analysis by the BBC and the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
The report suggests that the bulk of the destruction occurred during Iran’s counteroffensive following coordinated airstrikes by the United States and Israel on February 28. While officials caution that the full extent of the damage is still unclear, early assessments point to significant losses in infrastructure and advanced defence systems.
Among the most costly hits was damage to a radar unit linked to the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system at a US base in Jordan. The radar alone is estimated to be worth nearly $485 million. Additional structural damage to facilities across multiple bases is believed to have added roughly $310 million to the total losses.
Satellite imagery reviewed as part of the analysis indicates repeated strikes on key installations, including the Ali Al-Salim base in Kuwait, Al-Udeid air base in Qatar, and Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. Several of these sites appeared to have sustained damage more than once during different phases of the conflict.
Iran’s targeting strategy reportedly focused on critical systems such as air-defence radars and satellite communication infrastructure. Damage to these systems has affected operational capabilities, prompting the US to redeploy defence components, including THAAD units, from other regions such as South Korea.
Despite the scale of the damage, officials from the United States Department of Defense have not publicly confirmed the figures and have declined detailed comment, referring queries to Central Command.
The financial toll of the conflict extends beyond infrastructure. Reports indicate that at least 13 US service members have been killed since hostilities began. Meanwhile, independent estimates suggest the broader human cost of the war has reached into the thousands, including a significant number of civilians.
The economic burden on Washington is also mounting rapidly. Briefings to US lawmakers indicate that the first six days of the conflict cost approximately $11.3 billion, rising to $16.5 billion within 12 days. The Pentagon is now reportedly seeking additional funding that could reach up to $200 billion as the conflict continues.
The escalation has also had global repercussions. Iran’s actions, including disrupting movement through the Strait of Hormuz, have raised concerns over energy security, given that a substantial portion of the world’s oil supply passes through the route.
As tensions persist, analysts warn that prolonged hostilities could further strain military resources and deepen economic pressures,
