Iran caused more extensive damage to US military bases than publicly known, NBC reports

Tehran: Iran has caused more extensive damage to US military bases and equipment across the Middle East than has been publicly acknowledged, according to a report by NBC News citing sources familiar with intelligence assessments.

The report claims that Iranian strikes since the start of US and Israeli operations on 28 February have hit multiple American-linked facilities in at least seven countries in the region. The affected sites are said to include warehouses, command centres, aircraft hangars, satellite communications systems, runways, radar installations and military aircraft.

Despite the presence of US air defence systems, officials were reportedly surprised that some strikes penetrated defences, with the report noting that even a legacy Iranian F-5 aircraft was able to carry out an attack, highlighting potential gaps in protection.

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The full extent of the damage has not been publicly disclosed by the Pentagon. US Central Command declined to comment on battle damage assessments, according to NBC News.

The report also said that some Republican lawmakers have privately expressed frustration over what they describe as a lack of transparency from senior defence officials. One congressional aide was quoted as saying: “No one knows anything. And it’s not for lack of asking. We have been asking for weeks and not getting specifics, even as the Pentagon is asking for a record high budget.”

Repair costs are expected to run into billions of dollars, the report added, and could reignite debate in Washington over the risks of maintaining US military bases in close proximity to Iran and other regional adversaries.