
An analysis published by the Washington Post claims that Iran has struck far more American military targets in the Middle East than has been publicly acknowledged by the United States.
According to the report, Iranian attacks have damaged or destroyed at least 228 structures or equipment on US military bases since the start of the war.
The analysis is based on satellite images published by Iranian state-affiliated media and verified by the American newspaper through comparisons with other satellite systems.
The targets hit include hangars, barracks, fuel depots, aircraft, radar systems, communications equipment and air defense systems at US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
According to the Washington Post, more than half of the damage was recorded at the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and at the Camp Arifjan, Camp Buehring and Ali al-Salem bases in Kuwait.
The report states that seven American soldiers have lost their lives in attacks on bases in the region and over 400 troops have been injured by the end of April.
Experts cited by the newspaper estimate that the attacks show a much higher strike capability of Iran than previously thought, as well as shortcomings in the protection of American bases against modern drones and missiles.
"The Iranians hit with precision. There are no random craters that indicate a missed strike," said Mark Cancian of the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
The report adds that some bases are now considered too dangerous to operate normally and that some American personnel have been moved out of range of Iranian attacks.
According to sources cited by the newspaper, some of the damaged bases may never again be used at the same level by American forces in the region.