Iranian strikes damaged 20 US military sites across Gulf, BBC analysis finds

Iranian strikes have damaged 20 US military sites since the start of the US-Israeli war against Tehran in February, a BBC analysis of satellite images and videos showed Monday. The targeted facilities span Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, Bahrain, and Oman, found the analysis by BBC Verify using satellite imagery from multiple international providers.

Counterstrikes more extensive

While the White House has repeatedly said Iran's military capability has been largely destroyed, analysts argue that damage observed at US facilities suggests that Iran's counterstrikes were both more precise and more extensive than American officials have publicly acknowledged.

Significant losses

Among the significant losses were three advanced anti-ballistic missile battery systems at Al Ruwais and Al Sader airbases in the UAE, as well as Muwaffaq Salti Airbase in Jordan. Iranian strikes severely damaged US refueling and surveillance aircraft at Prince Sultan Airbase in Saudi Arabia, including an E-3 Sentry surveillance plane that could cost up to $700 million to replace.

Kuwait bases hit

Iranian strikes also hit Ali Al Salem Airbase and Camp Arifjan in Kuwait. Analysts identified destroyed fuel storage bunkers, aircraft hangars, and troop accommodation, indicating the base was struck multiple times. At Camp Arifjan, defense intelligence firm Janes reported significant damage to satellite communications equipment.

Ceasefire context

Tensions escalated since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on Feb. 28. A ceasefire took effect April 8 through Pakistani mediation, but talks failed to produce a lasting agreement.