Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Photos Reveal Hidden Damage From Iranian Strikes on US Bases
New photos show that Iranian attacks damaged several US military bases in the Middle East.
The pictures include a destroyed aircraft, torn tents, and damaged trailers.
They came from bases in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
A government report said hundreds of buildings and structures were damaged across eight countries.
It also said dozens of US aircraft were damaged or destroyed.
The military campaign cost about $33.4 billion during the period studied.
About $22.3 billion of that money was spent on munitions.
The report said some weapons supplies are becoming limited, although Donald Trump has said ammunition is virtually unlimited.
The United States and Israel said their attacks aimed to stop Iran from gaining nuclear capabilities, while Iran denied pursuing that goal.
Photographs from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait show a destroyed aircraft, damaged tents, trailers, and facilities at US installations.
US Central Command reported damage to or destruction of hundreds of buildings and structures across bases in eight countries.
Dozens of US military aircraft were reportedly damaged or destroyed during the conflict.
Operation Epic Fury cost an estimated $33.4 billion from February 28 through June 30, including about $22.3 billion for munitions.
The inspector general reported shortages in some weapons inventories, while Donald Trump has described US ammunition supplies as virtually unlimited.
- Who
- The United States, Iran, Israel, Donald Trump, and the Pentagon inspector general are central to the report.
- What
- Photographs and an official assessment revealed extensive damage to US bases, buildings, aircraft, and equipment from Iranian missile and drone attacks.
- When
- The conflict began on February 28; reported campaign costs cover February 28 through June 30.
- Where
- US installations in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Jordan were affected.
- Why
- The United States and Israel said their offensive aimed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities; Iran retaliated against US military assets.
US-Israeli rationale and official assurances
Iranian denials and inspector general findings
Purpose of the offensive
US-Israeli rationale and official assurances
The United States and Israel said their military action was intended to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities.
Iranian denials and inspector general findings
Iranian authorities have repeatedly denied pursuing nuclear capabilities and described the US-Iran conflict through their retaliatory actions against American military assets.
Weapons availability
US-Israeli rationale and official assurances
Donald Trump has repeatedly said US ammunition supplies are virtually unlimited and has dismissed concerns about depleted reserves.
Iranian denials and inspector general findings
The Pentagon inspector general reported shortages in some weapons inventories after months of operations and warned that expanding production capacity will take time.
Public reporting of damage
US-Israeli rationale and official assurances
Military communications restrictions limited service members’ ability to speak publicly, and the article said much of the damage had not been communicated to the public.
Iranian denials and inspector general findings
Photographs provided by anonymous service members and the inspector general’s assessment indicated extensive damage to bases, buildings, aircraft, and equipment.
- Operation
- Operation Epic Fury
- Estimated campaign cost
- $33.4 billion between February 28 and June 30
- Munitions spending
- Approximately $22.3 billion
- Reported infrastructure damage
- Hundreds of buildings and structures damaged or destroyed
- Aircraft damage
- Dozens of US military aircraft damaged or destroyed
- Affected countries
- Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Jordan
- Strait of Hormuz
- Iranian forces moved to restrict navigation through a corridor handling roughly one-fifth of global petroleum shipments
