The war with Iran has had a severe impact on the US defense sector, according to a report by the Pentagon Inspector General. The report assessed developments between April 1 and June 30 and stated that US stockpiles of advanced weapons had declined significantly. It also highlighted several challenges in replenishing the weapons, with experts estimating that it could take around three years to restore stockpiles to pre-war levels.
Heavy Damage to Military Bases
The report said hundreds of buildings at US military bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman and Jordan were damaged in Iranian attacks. A large number of US aircraft and drones were also destroyed. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Congress that the war had cost the US $37.5 billion so far.
US Diplomatic Missions Also Damaged
For the first time, the Pentagon report revealed the extent of damage caused to US diplomatic facilities in the region. American embassies and diplomatic facilities in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE suffered an estimated $184 million in damage.
Amid the conflict, around 9,000 US citizens were evacuated from various countries and brought back to the United States. The evacuation operations cost more than $11 million by the end of June, according to the report.