Iran Targeted U.S. Air Defense Radars Before Aircraft and Infrastructure Across Gulf Bases, AP Analysis Finds
What happened
An Associated Press investigation revealed that Iranian forces executed more than 115 drone and missile strikes across 26 U.S. military sites, systematically disabling early-warning radars before targeting aircraft, hangars, and supply facilities.
The Context
* A deliberate sequence: Between late February and August 2026, strikes first disabled protective radar housings in Kuwait and Bahrain, followed by hits on mobile defense units in Saudi Arabia and Jordan, before expanding to runways, fuel depots, and housing. * Geographic reach: The operations spanned eight regional host nations—including the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Iraq—prompting the U.S. military to pull select air assets and defense systems out of the Persian Gulf. * Commercial proximity: Strikes hit facilities like Al Dhafra Air Base, situated approximately 20 miles south of Abu Dhabi, placing core regional transport corridors directly adjacent to targeted zones.
The Number
— the estimated replacement cost of a single AN/TPY-2 radar system destroyed in Jordan, highlighting how low-cost drone deployments systematically degraded multi-billion-dollar early-warning infrastructure.
Takeaway
With asset relocations underway and potential further strikes under review post-midterms, global operators must factor persistent air defense disruptions into their Middle East freight, insurance, and mobility planning.
UAE-based newspaper covering Gulf politics, society, and international developments.
"Gulf News is one of the UAE’s most prominent English-language publications."
— A47 Editor
Iran targeted US air defences before hitting aircraft and buildings on Middle East bases, AP analysis finds
An AP analysis finds that Iran targeted US air defences before striking aircraft and buildings at Middle East bases, according to a Gulf News report on the findings. The reporting frames the attacks as part of an escalating confrontation between Wash...
A curated Gulf News feed featuring major stories across news, business, opinion, and lifestyle.
"Gulf News is a major UAE newspaper whose featured stories feed reflects a broad editorial mix shaped for a Gulf audience."
— A47 Editor
Iran targeted US air defences before hitting aircraft and buildings on Middle East bases, AP analysis finds
An AP analysis finds that Iran targeted US air defences before striking aircraft and buildings at Middle East bases, according to a Gulf News report on the findings. The reporting frames the attacks as part of an escalating confrontation between Wash...
Major U.S. developments and regional news.
"ABC News delivers broad national coverage with a mainstream editorial stance, focusing on accessibility and balanced reporting."
— A47 Editor
Iran targeted US air defenses then hit aircraft and buildings on Mideast bases, AP analysis finds
An AP analysis reported by ABC News finds that Iran's strikes on more than two dozen U.S. bases in the Middle East first targeted early warning and air defense systems, before hitting aircraft and buildings on those installations.
Global political, business, and cultural coverage from WSJ international desks.
"The Wall Street Journal offers extensive international reporting with a reputation for financial insight and a center-right editorial stance."
— A47 Editor
How Iran Battered U.S. Bases and Caused Billions in Damage
Satellite imagery shows damage at more than two dozen U.S. military installations following Iranian strikes, in the fullest accounting of the destruction yet, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal that estimates billions of dollars in loss...