Representative image (AI-generated)
The highly escalated Middle East war has now entered its third week, with no indication that the United States, Israel or Iran is willing to step back from the conflict. According to a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Iranian strikes on US military bases in the region have caused an estimated $800 million in damage in just the first two weeks.
Much of this damage occurred during the initial retaliatory strikes by Iran following the US and Israel’s opening attacks. “The damage to US bases in the region has been underreported,” said Mark Cancian, a senior adviser at CSIS and co-author of the think tank study. “Although that appears to be extensive, the full amount won’t be known until more information is available.”
Targeted strikes on US Infrastructure
Iran’s retaliatory operations focused on US air-defence and satellite-communication systems across Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and other strategic locations in the Middle East. A major component of the damage was inflicted on the AN/TPY-2 radar system at an air base in Jordan. This radar, part of the Thaad missile defence system is valued at approximately $485 million and is critical for intercepting long-range ballistic missiles, accoridng to BBC.
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Additional Iranian strikes caused an estimated $310 million in damage to buildings, facilities and other infrastructure on US bases.According to the satellite images, at least three US air bases – Ali Al-Salim in Kuwait, Al-Udeid in Qatar and Prince Sultan in Saudi Arabia were hit multiple times. In addition to equipment and infrastructure losses, the US has lost 13 service members since President Donald Trump joined Israel in launching attacks on Iran on February 28. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (Hrana), the overall death toll in the conflict is estimated at nearly 3200, including around 1400 civilians.President Trump has emphasised that the US is achieving its objectives in the region. “We’re doing extremely well in Iran,” he said during a White House event.Iran has managed to target and damage several high-value aircraft despite the technological edge of the US and Israeli air forces. In total, the US has suffered damage to 16 aircraft in the conflict, including 12 MQ-9 Reaper drones, each costing up to $56.5 million.Three F-15 Strike Eagle fighter jets were lost in Kuwait on March 2, reportedly due to a friendly fire incident, while a KC-135 refuelling tanker was lost over Iraq on March 12, killing all six crew members aboard. Another KC-135 was damaged in the same incident.In a significant development, Iran reportedly struck a US F-35 stealth fighter on March 19. The US Central Command confirmed the aircraft made an emergency landing and the pilot remained stable. Meanwhile, Israel has reportedly lost over a dozen drones in Iranian airspace, bringing the combined aircraft losses for both countries to 28.
High-value radar systems targeted
Iran’s strikes have also focused on degrading the US missile defence network in the region. Up to four AN/TPY-2 radars associated with Thaad systems have reportedly been hit, including sites in Jordan, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Each radar is valued between $300 million and $500 million and damage to these systems has reportedly rendered some inoperable.An AN/FPS-132 Block 5 Upgraded Early Warning Radar at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, valued at $1.1 billion was also struck. This radar provides long-range ballistic missile detection and supports integrated defence systems such as Thaad, Patriot and Aegis.“The missile hand of the Islamic Republic of Iran has been opened for successful target hits,” the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said.
USS Gerald R Ford fire incident
The US Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R Ford was rendered temporarily inoperable due to a fire on March 12. Crew members spent over 30 hours controlling the blaze, which affected the ship’s main laundry spaces.
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The incident is under investigation, with one possibility being deliberate sabotage. Reports suggest crew fatigue may have contributed, as the carrier had been deployed for nearly ten months, far exceeding normal operational timelines. The ship is scheduled for repairs at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay in Crete.
Rising cost of war
The conflict has placed an immense financial strain on the US. According to CSIS, munitions costs alone exceeded $12 billion in the first six days, roughly $2 billion per day. The Pentagon estimates the first six days cost $11.3 billion, with the first 12 days reaching $16.5 billion.Weapons costs are significant. For example, each Tomahawk missile costs around $3.5 million and over 300 have been used, totaling more than $1.2 billion. To maintain the war effort, the Pentagon has requested an additional $200 billion in funding from Congress. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasised the need for the same, saying, “It takes money to kill bad guys.”The ongoing conflict has exposed vulnerabilities in some of the US military’s most advanced systems. Iran’s cost-effective strikes have challenged the perception of invulnerability in modern warfare.While the US and Israel have inflicted damage on Iran’s military, the losses and degradation of advanced equipment illustrate the operational and reputational risks involved. As the war continues, the cost of managing operations and finances of the conflict will continue to mount.
