At least 17 US military, diplomatic, and air defense sites across the Middle East have been damaged by Iranian drone and missile strikes, according to a New York Times analysis published Thursday.
The attacks came in retaliation after joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran began on February 28, escalating tensions across the region.
The analysis found that 17 American sites in the Middle East have suffered damage since the start of the conflict. Among them, 11 locations are military bases or installations, representing nearly half of all US military facilities in the region.
The strikes highlight the growing reach of Iran’s retaliatory operations targeting American infrastructure across several countries.
Air defense systems among costliest losses
Some of the most expensive damage has been reported to US air defense systems. Satellite imagery reviewed in the analysis showed damage to a $1.1 billion early-warning radar system near Umm Dahal in Qatar.
The radar system was designed to provide early detection and surveillance coverage across a 4,800-kilometer (3,000-mile) radius, making it a critical component of regional defense infrastructure.
THAAD missile defense components targeted
The analysis also found that Iran struck parts of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system (THAAD).
THAAD is one of the United States’ key missile defense systems, designed to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles during their final phase of flight.
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One of the most significant attacks occurred in Bahrain, where the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet was struck on February 28. According to a Pentagon assessment cited by a congressional official, the damage to the facility is estimated at around $200 million.
Diplomatic facilities also targeted
Iranian strikes also targeted US diplomatic sites in the region. The attacks forced the temporary closure of the US consulate in Dubai as well as US embassies in Kuwait City and Riyadh.
Officials reported that no injuries occurred in any of the strikes on diplomatic facilities.
US officials told the New York Times that the scale and effectiveness of the strikes indicate that Iran appeared more prepared for the conflict than many in the Trump administration had anticipated.
The attacks demonstrated Tehran’s ability to target key military and strategic assets across the Middle East.
The regional conflict intensified after Israel and the United States launched a joint military attack on Iran on February 28.
According to reports, more than 1,200 people have been killed since the start of the conflict, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Casualties among US forces
The conflict has also resulted in casualties among American personnel.
Approximately 140 US service members have been wounded, while eight have been killed since Iran began retaliatory attacks following the start of the campaign.
