Leaked Photos Reveal Extent of Iranian Damage to US Bases

Leaked photographs from active-duty service members reveal extensive damage to U.S. military bases in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait following Iranian missile and drone strikes, according to CBS News.

The images show wrecked aircraft, gutted buildings, and burned-out vehicles at facilities including Prince Sultan Air Force Base in Saudi Arabia and Camp Buehring in Kuwait. One striking photograph depicts a U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry surveillance aircraft at Prince Sultan Air Base with its rear section severely damaged by what appears to be a direct hit. The aircraft's distinctive radar system is also shown to be badly compromised.

Service members who provided the photos anonymously stated that the extent of the damage had not been communicated to the public. "This is major damage to our bases that hasn't been communicated to the American public," one service member told CBS News. "We're standing there with our eyes closed getting punched in the face."

Other images from Prince Sultan Air Base show buildings and barracks damaged, with roofs ripped open. At Camp Buehring in Kuwait, described as a major staging point for U.S. troops, armored vehicles, and aircraft, photographs show flattened trailers and burned-out vehicles. Camp Arifjan, also in Kuwait, shows a multi-story building badly damaged and smoke billowing from a large tent-like structure.

The Pentagon's inspector general has provided official evidence of widespread Iranian attacks, reporting strikes against American bases in eight countries: Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Jordan. Equipment losses are estimated at up to $3.7 billion, including nearly 60 aircraft. The operation, referred to as Operation Epic Fury, reportedly cost $33.4 billion between February 28 and June 30, with $22.3 billion spent on munitions alone. The watchdog warned that munitions expenditure has resulted in strategic inventory shortfalls and revealed industrial base bottlenecks for resupply.

These disclosures contrast with public statements from the Trump administration, which has emphasized the effectiveness of American operations against Iran and highlighted the country's diminished military capabilities. President Trump has characterized Iran as a "Failed Nation" with "no Navy" and "no Air Force." Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had previously referred to Iranian weapons that evaded U.S. defenses as "squirters." The service members providing the photos disputed this characterization, stating, "These are not 'squirters' getting through. We're not defending these bases. We're just watching them get destroyed."

U.S. facilities elsewhere in the region have also sustained damage. Iranian strikes against Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan damaged multiple American aircraft, including an A-10 Thunderbolt that lost a wing. Around eight F-15 fighter jets reportedly suffered lighter damage and were returned to service.

Personnel in protective suits were seen inspecting a heavily damaged aircraft, its radar section ripped apart in what appears to be a targeted strike on critical systems last March.

Prince Sultan Air Base itself has previously been a target; ten American service members were injured there during an Iranian missile-and-drone assault in March, according to U.S. officials.