Kamal Ghorui
Iran’s recent strikes across the Middle East may have caused significantly more damage to US military infrastructure than publicly acknowledged, according to a report by NBC News, citing multiple sources.The report says American-linked bases and equipment in the Persian Gulf region have suffered extensive damage since the start of US and Israeli operations on February 28, with repair costs expected to run into billions of dollars.NBC quoting three US officials, two congressional aides and another person briefed on the matter noted that Iranian strikes have hit multiple facilities in at least seven countries in the gulf.The affected sites reportedly include warehouses, command centres, aircraft hangars, runways, radar systems, satellite communications infrastructure and even military aircraft.
Beyond direct hits on equipment, the strikes are said to have focused on weakening the US missile defence network by targeting high-value radar installations.Despite the presence of advanced US air defence systems, officials were reportedly surprised that several Iranian strikes managed to penetrate defences.The report also noted that even a legacy Iranian F-5 aircraft was able to carry out an attack, raising concerns about potential vulnerabilities.The US department of defense, however has not released full details about the extent of the damage. United States Central Command, which oversees operations in the region also declined to comment, NBC reported.The lack of clarity has led to frustration among some lawmakers. One congressional aide was quoted by the outlet saying, “No one knows anything. And it’s not for lack of asking. We have been asking for weeks and not getting specifics, even as the Pentagon is asking for a record high budget.”Repairing damaged infrastructure is also expected to cost billions, potentially reigniting debate in Washington over the risks of maintaining US bases close to regional adversaries.The broader financial burden of the conflict is also mounting. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the cost of munitions alone crossed $12 billion in the first six days of fighting, while Pentagon estimates put the figure at $11.3 billion for the same period, roughly $2 billion per day.Individual weapons costs also add up quickly. To sustain operations and replenish stockpiles, the Pentagon in March reportedly sought more than $200 billion in additional funding from Congress.A report by The Washington Post had earlier said the funds would be used to boost production of critical weapons systems following their extensive use in strikes against Iranian targets.
