By R Murray
Iranian missile and drone attacks have reportedly caused between $5 billion and $15 billion in damage to military installations housing American forces throughout the Middle East, according to a Wall Street Journal investigation. The reported destruction comes as the overall cost of the US military campaign against Iran approaches $50 billion.
Using satellite imagery and information from sources familiar with the damage assessments, the Wall Street Journal identified 274 damaged structures across 24 military installations with an American presence.
During the first two weeks of the conflict, at least 119 buildings at 13 installations sustained damage. Among the facilities reportedly hit hardest was the US Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.
Pentagon Faces Billions in Military Infrastructure Losses
The attacks followed the US-Israeli military offensive against Iran that began February 28. Tehran responded with missile and drone strikes targeting American military positions and other regional facilities.
An unnamed US official cited by the Wall Street Journal said Pentagon assessments placed the damage to American military bases at no less than $5 billion. Another source indicated that the total could reach $15 billion.
Because several affected installations are operated in cooperation with regional allies, some reconstruction expenses could potentially be shared with host countries. US defense officials may also decide against rebuilding certain damaged facilities.
The report indicates that Washington is considering reducing its military presence at installations in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia to limit the vulnerability of American personnel to future attacks.
Iran has previously called for the withdrawal of American military forces from the region as part of its conditions for establishing lasting peace.
Iran Rebuilds Missile Capabilities as Tensions Continue
Despite extensive military operations against Iranian targets, Tehran is reportedly working to restore damaged missile facilities and recover weapons stockpiles buried during the fighting.
These rebuilding efforts come as President Donald Trump considers additional military action against Iran, while concerns persist over the availability of American missile interceptors.
Pete Hegseth, however, has publicly downplayed Iran's remaining military strength, maintaining that its capabilities have been substantially reduced.
Senator Questions Administration Over War Costs
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy has raised concerns about transparency surrounding the financial and operational consequences of the conflict.
Murphy accused the administration of withholding information about the war's actual costs after he was denied access to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
The Wall Street Journal identified at least 12 damaged buildings at the installation. Pentagon officials attributed the restrictions on Murphy's visit to regional travel limitations.
The dispute has intensified questions about how much damage American military facilities have sustained and whether the full financial consequences have been disclosed to Congress and the public.
US Military Spending Reaches $47.1 Billion
According to Pentagon figures provided to Congress, the war against Iran had cost approximately $47.1 billion through October 16, excluding damage to military installations.
The reported spending includes:
$29 billion to replace missiles and other munitions used during military operations.
$11.9 billion in operational expenses associated with the conflict.
$6.1 billion in military equipment losses.
If the estimated $5 billion to $15 billion in infrastructure damage is added to those expenses, the combined financial impact could reach approximately $52.1 billion to $62.1 billion, although these figures are estimates rather than a confirmed final accounting.
American Casualties Add to the War's Human Cost
Beyond the growing financial burden, the conflict has also resulted in substantial American casualties.
According to the military figures cited in the report, 23 US service members have died in connection with Iran war operations, including 11 deaths attributed to enemy fire. Another 865 American personnel have reportedly been wounded.
The mounting infrastructure losses, military expenditures and casualties underscore the significant costs of the conflict as Washington weighs its future military strategy in the Middle East.