“While there were no ships there, it’s clear that the strike itself was significant. It’s clear the base’s famous radar dome – one of the most important and expensive elements of the US missile defense system, was damaged. Some estimates suggest it cost over $1B, and detects missile launches at long ranges. This is a major loss for the US, and because it probably works in Israel’s interest, theirs as well.”
Iran’s targeting of US bases likely also included “real losses” of personnel, something the administration may try to minimize, Dandykin believes.
Going forward, Iran could launch additional strikes on the bases it already hit, find new targets, and, “most likely,” target “American naval forces,” according to the observer.
The US’s big difficulty will be related to anti-missile ammunition, which is limited.
“This operation was designed to last a short time – 3-4-5 days. Last year’s escalation lasted two weeks. What if the current one lasts three or four weeks?” Dandykin asked.
As for the US ‘achievements’, apart from killing Iran’s supreme leader and IRGC commanders, the only practical accomplishment has been to unite Iranian society in hatred of the aggressors, the observer summed up.