One Month Since U.S., Israeli War Against Iran: Who Is Gaining?

Subsequent attacks continued through March. On March 21, Iran targeted areas near the Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Center in Dimona, with additional strikes hitting Arad, injuring more than 150 people. Debris from intercepted missiles damaged areas near religious sites in Jerusalem’s Old City on March 16. By late March, at least 15 people had been killed and more than 4,000 injured in Israel.

Iran has also used cluster munitions in a significant portion of its missile attacks, contributing to civilian casualties in areas including Ramat Gan and the West Bank. A further missile strike on March 27 hit a commercial street in Tel Aviv, causing additional casualties. On March 28, Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen confirmed launching a ballistic missile toward Israel, marking an expansion of the conflict’s geographic scope.

Beyond Israel, Iranian retaliatory strikes have focused heavily on U.S. and allied infrastructure in the Gulf. Missile and drone attacks targeted Al Dhafra Air Base in the U.A.E., Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, and multiple installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. Strikes damaged radar systems, aircraft, and support infrastructure, with some bases rendered largely uninhabitable.

U.S. and allied forces have also experienced aerial losses. Since early March, multiple aircraft have been downed or damaged, including a KC-135 refueling tanker, and an E-3 Sentry surveillance aircraft. On March 2, three F-15Es were downed in a major friendly fire incident over Kuwait. A U.S. F-35 made an emergency landing at a regional military base in the Middle East after allegedly taking fire during a combat mission over Iran. If proven accurate, it would make it the first time an F-35 has been confirmed as hit by enemy fire. By March 22, at least 15 U.S. aircraft had been lost or significantly damaged, including over a dozen MQ-9 drones. Iran has reported broader losses across all parties, including aircraft destroyed on the ground. 

Casualties among U.S. personnel include at least 13 killed and more than 300 wounded. Additional incidents include fatalities at bases in Kuwait and injuries at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia following missile strikes.