Middle East — Iranian attacks on U.S. military installations across the Middle East have caused an estimated $800 million in damage within the first two weeks of the conflict, according to a joint analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies and BBC.
The report indicates that the damage occurred following the outbreak of hostilities on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran. Tehran responded with a series of retaliatory strikes targeting American assets across the region.
Although the full extent of the damage remains unclear, analysts suggest the figure is significantly higher than previously reported, highlighting the growing financial burden of the war on Washington.
According to CSIS senior adviser Mark Cancian, the scale of destruction has been underreported, and more comprehensive data is needed to assess the true impact.
Iran’s strikes have primarily focused on U.S. air defense systems and satellite communication infrastructure stationed in countries such as Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. One of the most significant losses was reported at a U.S. airbase in Jordan, where a THAAD missile defense radar system—valued at approximately $485 million—was severely damaged. The radar is critical for detecting and intercepting ballistic missiles.
Additional damage, estimated at around $310 million, has been reported across multiple military facilities, including structural destruction at bases in Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Satellite imagery analysis suggests repeated Iranian strikes on at least three major airbases in these countries.
Reports also indicate that Russia may have provided intelligence support to Tehran by sharing information on U.S. troop positions, contributing to the precision of the attacks.
In response to the damage, the U.S. has reportedly redeployed components of its THAAD missile defense systems from South Korea to reinforce its positions in the Middle East.
The conflict has also resulted in casualties. At least 13 American service members have been killed, while total fatalities have reportedly reached around 3,200, including approximately 1,400 civilians, according to human rights monitors.
Despite the losses, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that military objectives—particularly degrading Iran’s nuclear and military capabilities—are being achieved. Speaking at the White House, he said, “We are doing very well in Iran.”
Meanwhile, the broader geopolitical and economic impact of the war is intensifying. The near closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global energy markets, while uncertainty over a potential U.S. ground invasion continues to unsettle investors.
According to CSIS estimates, the $800 million in damage represents only a fraction of the total cost. The war’s expenses reached $16.5 billion within the first 12 days, and the Pentagon has requested an additional $200 billion in funding, with officials warning that costs could rise further as the conflict continues.
