Iran has damaged 20 US military sites across eight Middle Eastern countries since the start of the war, satellite images and videos analyzed by BBC Verify reveal. This suggests Iran's counter-attacks are more extensive and precise than publicly acknowledged, inflicting millions of dollars in damage to state-of-the-art air defense systems, refuelling aircraft, and radars.
Tehran targeted US and shared military facilities in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes across Iran and Lebanon. Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei declared the Middle East is no longer a "safe place" for American bases. Damaged hardware includes three Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) batteries at Al Ruwais, Al Sader, and Muwaffaq Salti airbases, and an E-3 Sentry surveillance plane at Prince Sultan Airbase. The Pentagon estimates Operation Epic Fury's total cost at $29 billion, with at least 42 US aircraft destroyed or damaged. Iran evolved its tactics from sprawling barrages to precise, directed attacks using cheap, easily replaceable drones, exploiting perceived US "early-war complacency." Experts warn a ceasefire breakdown could leave Gulf facilities vulnerable due to depleted US and partner air defense stocks, lacking rapid replenishment.
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