West Asia War Gets Costlier As Iran Strikes On US Bases Hit $800 Million: Report

Last Updated:March 22, 2026, 13:20 IST

Satellite imagery shows that at least three US air bases were struck more than once. These include Ali Al-Salim base in Kuwait, Al-Udeid in Qatar, Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi.

As the war with Iran enters its fourth week, the financial toll is rising sharply. Iranian strikes on US assets in West Asia have caused an estimated $800 million in damage, according to a report.

Iranian airstrikes on military bases used by the US in the region caused around $800 million in damage in the first two weeks of the conflict, an analysis by the BBC found. The estimate is based on a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a US-based think tank.

Much of the damage came during Iran’s retaliatory strikes in the week following coordinated US and Israeli airstrikes on February 28.

Extent of damage still unclear

The full scale of damage to US assets in the Gulf remains uncertain. However, the $800 million estimate gives an indication of the potential costs of a prolonged conflict.

“The damage to US bases in the region has been underreported," said Mark Cancian, co-author of the CSIS study, as quoted by the BBC. He added that while the damage appears extensive, the full cost will only be known when more details emerge.

The US Department of Defense referred queries to Central Command, where officials declined to comment.

Key air-defence systems targeted

Iran has focused on US air-defence and satellite communication systems in countries including Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. A radar system for a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery at a US base in Jordan suffered heavy damage. The radar alone is estimated to cost about $485 million.

In addition, damage to buildings and infrastructure at US bases is estimated at $310 million.

Multiple US bases hit

Satellite imagery analysed by the BBC shows that at least three US air bases were struck more than once. These include Ali Al-Salim base in Kuwait, Al-Udeid in Qatar and Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, all showing fresh damage at different stages of the conflict.

Following Iranian strikes on a US naval base in Bahrain, imagery showed the destruction of two radomes, which protect sensitive equipment. The report said it was “highly probable" that key systems were damaged.

Radar sites were also hit at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait and at Prince Sultan Air Base, where smoke was seen rising from a THAAD radar component.

Further analysis indicated significant damage to THAAD systems in the UAE and Jordan, although the exact cost remains unclear. Due to these losses, the US has redeployed THAAD components from South Korea to the Middle East.

The assessment was partly limited by restrictions on US-based providers releasing satellite imagery.

Rising human and financial costs

Since the war began, the US has lost 13 service members. The Human Rights Activists News Agency estimates that nearly 3,200 people have been killed overall, including 1,400 civilians.

Officials have also outlined the broader financial burden. The first six days of the war cost $11.3 billion, rising to $16.5 billion in the first 12 days, according to CSIS.

Strait of Hormuz 

Iran has also responded by launching further airstrikes and blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for about 20 per cent of global oil supplies. The move has raised concerns over energy security and the possible duration of the conflict.

There is growing speculation over whether US President Donald Trump may deploy ground troops to reopen the route.

Pentagon seeks more funds

The Pentagon is now seeking an additional $200 billion in war funding. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the figure could change, adding: “It takes money to kill bad guys."

At the same time, Trump said the US is making progress towards its goal of dismantling Iran’s nuclear programme. “We’re doing extremely well in Iran," he said.

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