US bases in the Middle East have taken far more hits from Iran than Washington has acknowledged, according to a new satellite-based investigation by the Washington Post. Reviewing more than 100 high-resolution images released by Iranian state media and cross-checking them with European and commercial satellite data, the Post found at least 228 structures or pieces of equipment at 15 US military sites damaged or destroyed since late February. The strikes hit barracks, hangars, fuel depots, radar domes, missile-defense systems, communications gear, and even “soft targets” like gyms and dining halls. Seven US service members have been killed and more than 400 injured, the Pentagon says.

Experts who reviewed the imagery told the newspaper that the pattern of strikes suggests that Iran’s targeting has been accurate and that US defenses were not fully prepared for modern one-way attack drones and mass missile salvos, especially as stockpiles of Patriot and THAAD interceptors dwindled. Some bases were thinned out or evacuated, and US officials say a major Navy hub in Bahrain has effectively relocated to Florida. US Central Command disputes that the damage reflects failures but declined detailed comment. For the full visuals, methodology, and military implications, read the full story by Evan Hill, Jarrett Ley, Alex Horton, Tara Copp, and Dan Lamothe. Meanwhile, a deal to end the fighting is reportedly close. (This content was created with the help of AI. Read our AI policy.)