US Military Faces Heavy Losses from Iranian Attacks, Report Reveals

A recent report from the Department of Defense inspector general has revealed significant losses suffered by US forces and military facilities in the Middle East, exceeding prior assessments. The investigation highlights the loss of dozens of military aircraft, including at least 30 MQ-9 Reaper drones, alongside extensive damage to hundreds of buildings resulting from Iranian assaults during the conflict.

Published on Monday, this report covers the period from February 28 to June 30 and marks the first formal accounting of the losses incurred by the US military amid ongoing hostilities. It highlights a pressing concern over dwindling munition supplies, citing 'bottlenecks' in existing supply chains, which challenges statements made by former President Donald Trump that the US had unlimited ammunition resources.

The report notes that the US military has expended approximately $22 billion on munitions within the specified timeframe, while the overarching costs attributed to the conflict are pegged at around $33 billion. The hostilities commenced with attacks on Iran led by US and Israeli forces in late February, which resulted in Iran targeting US military assets in the Gulf region.

Despite official assurances from Gulf nations and the US regarding the successful interception of many incoming strikes, the report documents substantial financial losses for US operations and materials, far beyond prior acknowledgments. Current diplomatic negotiations between the US and Iran are at an impasse, while crucial maritime routes, such as the Strait of Hormuz—a vital passage for global oil shipments—remain largely obstructed.

The report divulges that at least 11 US military personnel have lost their lives due to hostile actions, with another seven casualties occurring in non-combat situations. Specifically, six personnel were fatally injured at Kuwait's Port Shuaiba and one in Saudi Arabia on March 1, while further losses were observed at military bases in Jordan and Iraq later in the conflict. The report reiterates that at least 417 military personnel sustained injuries from Iranian attacks.

In terms of asset losses, the report outlines that various types of aircraft—including front-line fighters, aerial refuelling tankers, airborne command-and-control planes, and unmanned surveillance drones—have been impacted. Iranian forces assert they have successfully targeted additional US military resources, including shooting down surveillance drones in proximity to the Strait of Hormuz and seizing a US submersible earlier this month.

The report also corroborates claims made by US Central Command (CENTCOM) regarding the extensive damage inflicted on US installations throughout the Gulf region. Facilities in countries such as Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Jordan have suffered extensive damage due to Iranian military actions.

Although specific figures detailing the extent of damages in these locations were not fully outlined, prior reports have indicated that several US bases have faced temporary shutdowns or relocations in response to Iranian strikes.

Furthermore, the establishment of effective naval bases and support ports presented ongoing challenges during the military campaign against Iran, compounded by uncertainties regarding permissions from host nations to support logistics operations effectively.

A notable issue highlighted within the report pertains to logistical operations being shifted to Diego Garcia, facing delays due to long sea transit times, which require logistics cycles of 14 to 18 days.

Diplomatic installations of the US in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have also been reported damaged by Iranian attacks, with the total estimated cost reaching $184 million. Financial losses of approximately $24.5 million per month are attributed to delays in construction projects resulting from ordered departures and travel restrictions in cities including Baghdad, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Cairo, Amman, and Kuwait City.

The Department of State discloses that the Iraq mission encountered over 600 attacks through the end of June this year, with associated costs nearing $157 million. Specifically, the newly established consulate compound of the US in Erbil experienced multiple building damages, and the US Embassy in Baghdad faced material losses, albeit to a lesser extent. The Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center, situated near Baghdad International Airport, reportedly sustained extensive damage as well.

Additional incidents of damage include the US Embassy in Kuwait City halting operations in early March due to increased regional tensions, along with attacks that rendered repairs costing close to $14.75 million. On March 3, Iranian drones struck the US Embassy in Riyadh, resulting in approximately $11.5 million in damages, while the US Consulate in Dubai incurred costs nearing $120,000 due to damage to a utility building.