Report estimates Iran's upgraded weapons caused up to $15 billion in damage to U.S. bases in the Middle East

A recent report says Iran has enhanced its missile and drone systems enough to cause as much as $15 billion in damage to U.S. bases in the Middle East since the war started. The analysis focuses on the July 17 strike at Jordan's Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, where three American service members were killed. According to Wall Street Journal sources and satellite data, the nighttime attack hit 19 buildings that housed U.S. troops, indicating a higher level of precision than earlier strikes.

The Journal notes that Iran’s attacks have become more targeted, with the July assault striking smaller structures compared with the broader damage inflicted during the conflict’s opening weeks, when at least 119 buildings across 13 installations were hit. Despite U.S.-Israeli airstrikes that reduced parts of Iran’s missile network, the Iranian attacks continued, with the Journal estimating an additional 155 structures damaged and 13 more military sites affected by the end of July.

The Department of Defense reports that more than 20 U.S. service members have died and over 400 have been wounded in the war. Pentagon estimates place the cost of damage to regional bases at a minimum of $5 billion, with the true figure potentially reaching $15 billion, a sum not reflected in the DoD’s latest war-cost total of $47.1 billion as of Oct. 16.

While the Defense Department has repeatedly asserted that Iran’s attack capabilities have been neutralized, recent reports indicate the U.S. military has been withdrawing personnel from some regional bases. The report adds that President Trump is considering renewed airstrikes on Iran following recent midterm elections, and Pentagon officials warn that any Iranian retaliation could be among the deadliest yet, as Iran may retain its most advanced missiles for future engagements.