BBC: Iranian Strikes Hit at Least 20 US Military Sites

Iran has damaged at least 20 US military sites in eight countries in the region since the war began, according to a BBC Verify analysis of satellite images and videos.

Tehran has targeted US bases and shared military facilities in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, Bahrain and Oman. Analysts cited by the BBC say the actual damage may be more extensive, with as many as 28 sites hit.

Among the most serious reported losses are three THAAD air defense systems in the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. Tankers and reconnaissance aircraft at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia were also damaged, including an E-3 Sentry, which could cost up to $700m to replace.

BBC Verify reports that at least 42 aircraft have been destroyed or damaged since February, including F-15 and F-35 fighter jets, 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones and one A-10 attack aircraft.

Experts say Iran has gradually changed tactics, moving from large-scale missile attacks to more precise strikes on strategic targets. The US Department of Defense estimates the cost of the war at $29bn, with a significant share expected to go toward repairing and replacing destroyed equipment.

(bbc, bak)