Middle East & Iran
The Cradle
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❗️New investigation reveals Iranian attacks dealt far greater damage to at least 20 US military sites than previously acknowledged
An investigation by BBC Verify published on 1 June found that Iranian attacks have damaged at least 20 US military sites across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, Bahrain, and Oman since the war began at the end of February.
Using satellite imagery and video analysis, BBC Verify said the scale of the damage appears significantly greater than publicly acknowledged, with some analysts estimating that as many as 28 bases may have been hit.
Among the most significant losses were three THAAD anti-ballistic missile batteries damaged in the UAE and Jordan.
The US operates only eight THAAD batteries worldwide, each costing about $1 billion and requiring crews of roughly 100 personnel.
Satellite imagery also showed heavy damage to refueling and surveillance aircraft at Prince Sultan Airbase in Saudi Arabia, including an E-3 Sentry aircraft, which US media estimate could cost up to $700 million to replace.
BBC Verify also cited damage at Ali Al Salem Airbase and Camp Arifjan in Kuwait, where analysts identified destroyed fuel storage bunkers, aircraft hangars, troop accommodation, and satellite communications infrastructure.
The report said at least 42 aircraft have been destroyed or damaged since February, including F-15s, F-35s, 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones, and an A-10 attack aircraft.
The Pentagon previously estimated the total cost of the war at $29 billion, much of it linked to repairing or replacing equipment.
Military analysts told BBC Verify that Iran adapted its tactics during the war, shifting from large missile barrages to more precise attacks against high-value targets.
Experts argued that US forces were slow to adjust, leaving aircraft and critical infrastructure exposed. The report warned that extensive damage to bases and the heavy consumption of air-defense interceptors could leave US facilities across the Gulf increasingly vulnerable if all-out war resumes.