Iran Caused Billions of Dollars in Damage to US Surveillance Infrastructure

NBC News reports that multiple US officials have revealed Iran had caused “unprecedented damage” to US intelligence gathering facilities across the Middle East. “Iranian missile and drone attacks have inflicted damage on US intelligence posts and surveillance hardware in the [region] that is more extensive than any destruction [US] spy agencies have endured,” the outlet explained , adding that the damage will “cost billions of dollars to repair.” The four US officials who spoke with NBC News explained it was the costliest damage ever to CIA infrastructure. The article does not mention to what extent the damage set back the CIA’s intelligence collection capabilities in the Middle East. In February, the US and Israel launched an unprovoked war against Iran amid talks between Washington and Tehran. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu predicted a quick victory after the US and Israel assassinated the Iranian Supreme Leader and other top officials. However, the Iranian government remained in control, and the military launched large-scale attacks against American military bases and allies in the region. The IRGC was able to kill 18 American soldiers, cause billions in damage to US military bases, and destroy several warplanes. Trump appears to have given up on finding a military solution to the conflict. Axios reported on Wednesday that US officials have told allies that “for the time being,” the US is not expected to initiate new strikes against Iran, and will focus on enforcing its economic war. If you liked this article, please support Antiwar.com. We are 100% reader-supported.