The Hidden Costs of War: Assessing U.S. Base Damage and Munitions Losses in the Iran Conflict

The United States Naval Support Activity Bahrain base and Fifth Fleet headquarters were rendered largely inoperable following Iranian missile and drone strikes on February 28, 2026, with repairs estimated at $400 million, thecipherbrief.com reported.

Congressional Budget Office Reveals Hidden War Costs

The damage to the Bahrain installation is part of a broader tally detailed in a 19-page Congressional Budget Office report titled Estimating the Cost of Combat Operations Against Iran, sent to Congress on September 15.

This shift has caused significant resupply delays.

The conflict began before dawn on February 28, 2026, when U.S. and Israeli forces launched initial attacks on Iran. However, there apparently was a lack of expectation for the size of Iranian counterattacks with missiles and drones that struck U.S. bases in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates later that same day, February 28.

Defense Department Inspector General Details Billions in Facility Damage

In mid-September, the Defense Department (DoD) Inspector General (IG) released a report on Operation Epic Fury (OEF) — the war against Iran.

The CBO report noted that DoD had failed to provide it with an estimate on the cost of the damage to U.S. bases and facilities.

Logistical Strain and Family Displacements in Bahrain

The intensity of the initial Iranian response caught the government by surprise.

During major combat operations, Iran targeted Bahrain with drones and ballistic missile strikes, and USCENTCOM stated that it initially shifted naval sustainment resources from Bahrain to alternate hubs.

Al Udeid Air Base Operations and Munitions Replacement Expenses

Personnel were transferred away from Al Udeid before February 28.

The war also caused heavy use of both offensive and defensive U.S. weaponry.

Pentagon Splits Casualty Tracking into Two Operational Periods

Public reporting on U.S. casualties involved a dual-category tracking system.

President Trump has threatened, after today’s elections, to renew attacks on Iran. He has amassed a battle force that could carry it out and has also warned allies in the region it may be coming.