US Faces Greatest Historic Setback and Loss in Attempt to Destroy Iran; Years Needed to Restore Arms Stockpile; US Advanced Technology Under Fire

American aircraft destroyed in the Iranian attack N. Prabhakaran DUBAI: Recent reports indicate that the US military has suffered its greate...

American aircraft destroyed in the Iranian attack

N. Prabhakaran

DUBAI: Recent reports indicate that the US military has suffered its greatest physical and financial blow in history during the military operation against Iran titled 'Operation Epic Fury.' According to information emerging from US officials and intelligence reports, the scale of damage is far greater than initially estimated.

The Iranian attack impacted at least 17 US military centers spread across seven Middle Eastern countries (Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, Jordan, and Iraq).

Heavy damage was sustained by runways, aircraft hangars, and command headquarters at bases such as Al Udeid in Qatar and Al Asad in Iraq.

The US's advanced missile defense systems, previously believed to be "indestructible," were destroyed in the Iranian strike. This includes at least 12 radar systems used for THAAD missile defense, Patriot missile components, and satellite communication centers.

12 MQ-9 Reaper drones were destroyed. There are also reports that even an old Iranian A-5 fighter jet managed to breach the US defense perimeter.

American soldiers killed in the Iranian attack in Kuwait: Captain Cody York, Sergeant First Class Noah Tietjens, Sergeant First Class Nicole Amor, Sergeant Declan Cody

Human Casualties

While the figures were initially kept secret, new information reveals heavy casualties for the US military. 15 US soldiers were killed and 538 soldiers were injured. Many have suffered traumatic brain injuries due to the impact of the explosions.

Information suggests that more than 3,300 people were killed in Iran, and hundreds more in Israel and other Gulf nations during this conflict.

Financial Loss and Depleted Stockpiles

Approximately $5 billion (?41,000 crore) is initially required to restore the damaged bases and replace equipment. In the first six days of the war alone, the US expended $11.3 billion worth of ammunition.

In addition to record increases in the defense budget, the Pentagon has requested an additional $200 billion to replenish the exhausted missile stockpile. It will take years to manufacture these and bring the missile reserves back to previous levels.

The war began following a US-Israel move that led to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader in February 2026. Although a two-week ceasefire was declared on April 8 through Pakistan's mediation, Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continues to worry the world. Republican Party members in Washington are protesting, alleging that information is not being transparently shared. There is now intense political debate regarding the security of US bases against Iran's missile and drone strike capabilities.

The US appears trapped by Iran's strategy of exhausting billions of dollars worth of American missile stockpiles using primarily low-cost drones. Meanwhile, Israel—which drew the US into the conflict—is demanding that the war continue to permanently end Iran's military capability. The world is watching to see if Trump will once again yield to Israeli pressure.