How many countries has the US bombed since 2001, and how much has it cost?

US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on March 3, 2026, that US forces destroyed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) command and control facilities, air defense installations, and missile/drone launch sites in Iran, as US-Israeli attacks continued for a fourth day. CENTCOM claims US forces struck over 1,250 targets in Iran and destroyed 11 Iranian ships. Iran has retaliated, with CENTCOM confirming six US service members killed in attacks on Kuwait, where three US fighter jets were mistakenly shot down. ISNA reports five IRGC members killed in US-Israeli attacks in Bushehr province. The conflict's duration remains uncertain, with President Trump stating the US is prepared for a longer engagement.

In March 2026, escalating conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel has spread across multiple fronts. The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia was hit by Iranian drones amidst increasing attacks on Iran by the US and Israel. Strikes occurred across Tehran, while Israel conducted a targeted attack on Hezbollah members in Beirut and southern Lebanon. During an Iranian air assault, three US fighter jets were mistakenly downed by Kuwaiti fire. Protests in support of Iran took place in Baghdad. The conflict has resulted in casualties and widespread damage in the region.

The US military's approach to a potential war with Iran is unlikely to be successful due to its reliance on conventional tactics against an adversary employing asymmetric warfare. The US has consistently struggled to defeat opponents using unconventional methods, as seen in conflicts such as Vietnam and Afghanistan. In 2002, a war game simulation known as Millennium Challenge found that the US military was vulnerable to low-tech attacks, with a lieutenant general's team able to sink a US aircraft carrier within 10 minutes of starting the exercise. Iran has now used similar tactics, including ballistic missiles and drones, to undermine air defense systems in the Persian Gulf. The US underestimated Iran's capabilities before launching its military buildup, which is now paying off. This approach may repeat past American vulnerabilities.

Following drone attacks on U.S. embassies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, the U.S. State Department has closed its embassies in those two countries. The State Department also issued an urgent advisory, recommending that American citizens immediately depart from 14 unspecified countries. These actions come as tensions escalate in the region, with Iran reportedly increasing retaliatory measures. Simultaneously, the Israeli military announced it has seized additional territory in Lebanon amidst ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran. The closures and travel advisory highlight growing concerns about the safety of American personnel and citizens in the Middle East.

Since the 9/11 attacks, the United States has engaged in three full-scale wars and bombed at least 10 countries, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Pakistan, Somalia, Libya, Syria, Venezuela, Nigeria and Iran. These military actions, initiated under the Bush administration's "war on terror" and continued under subsequent presidents, aimed to pursue US strategic interests. A Brown University study estimates that these US-led wars have directly caused approximately 940,000 deaths across various conflict zones. The financial cost of these conflicts is estimated at $5.8 trillion, encompassing Department of Defense spending, Homeland Security, increased DOD base budget, veterans' medical care, and interest payments. Future veterans' care is projected to add another $2.2 trillion, potentially bringing the total cost to $8 trillion.

Following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other Iranian officials, Iran has launched attacks on US assets in the Gulf. As of March 2, 2026, these attacks have resulted in one death in Bahrain, with Iraq and Kuwait also reporting Iranian raids. The United States has stated that attacks on Iran will continue until all objectives are met. The escalating conflict also involves Hezbollah, which has fired rockets. The situation marks a significant escalation of tensions in the region.

The US and Israel launched a military strike on Iran, killing hundreds of people, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on February 27. In response, Iran attacked several countries, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Senior diplomats from China and India met in New Delhi in February for strategic dialogue, aiming to view each other as partners rather than competitors. However, a persistent gap in their relationship was revealed in the readouts of the meeting. Canada's former deputy prime minister emphasized the need for countries to maintain constructive engagement with China while reducing economic dependency on the country. The global relations landscape is marked by tensions and shifting dynamics between major powers.

A joint US and Israeli attack on Iran has escalated into a widespread conflict across the Middle East. Within a 10-hour period, strikes and casualties were reported in at least nine countries. US and Israeli warplanes launched attacks across Iran and Lebanon, while Iran retaliated with attacks on oil infrastructure and other targets stretching from the Gulf of Oman to Cyprus. Damage was reported in Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, including an attack on a British military base in Cyprus. The US military reported that Kuwait mistakenly shot down three American fighter jets during an Iranian attack. The US President has called for Iranians to overthrow their leaders, indicating the air campaign could continue for weeks. The Iranian Red Crescent Society reported over 500 deaths in Iran.

In a recent video address, Donald Trump vowed to avenge the deaths of three American soldiers following joint US-Israel strikes on Iran, accusing Iran of "waging war against civilization." He stated that there would "likely more" US troop deaths before the conflict with Iran ends. Trump's critics are pressuring the White House for a clearer plan regarding Iran, warning that a lack of strategy risks a prolonged conflict. The situation is developing, and analysts express concern about the potential for the US to be drawn into a long-lasting engagement. Separately, due to ongoing events, airlines including Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways have cancelled hundreds of flights, with thousands of flights cancelled over the weekend.

A video verified by the BBC appears to show an F-15 fighter jet crashing to the ground near Kuwait City. The footage was filmed from the west of the city, on the edge of the Al Jahra area. US Central Command later confirmed that three US F-15 jets went down due to "an apparent friendly fire incident". All six crew members ejected safely and are in stable condition. The incident occurred in an unspecified location near Kuwait City, with no further details provided.

Following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, US officials are reportedly skeptical that a regime change in Iran is likely in the near future. Despite President Trump's call for Iranian patriots to "take back" their country, three US officials familiar with intelligence suggest that Iran's opposition is unlikely to topple the current theocratic government. While not completely ruling out the possibility due to ongoing US and Israeli air strikes and internal unrest, officials consider a near-term regime change improbable. The Iranian President, along with other officials, have temporarily assumed the duties of the supreme leader. The US and Israeli operation aimed to cripple Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear programs, with some US officials suggesting toppling the government as a goal.

Oil prices surged on Monday after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, prompting retaliatory strikes against US and Israeli military installations in the Middle East. Brent crude rose by 9 percent to $79.41 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate increased by 8.6 percent to $72.79 a barrel. The conflict has disrupted the global energy supply chain, particularly impacting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for oil tankers. Tankers are accumulating on either side of the strait due to concerns about attacks and insurance. Experts predict a significant price increase if the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively blocked, preventing 15 million barrels of crude oil from reaching markets daily.

Oil prices surged after the reported death of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli air strikes, escalating conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route, experienced near standstill, impacting tanker traffic. This disruption raised concerns about supply shortages and increased import costs, particularly for Asian economies like China, India, Japan, and South Korea, which heavily rely on oil imports. Benchmark Brent crude jumped significantly, reflecting market fears of sustained supply disruption. Iran retaliated with attacks on US military bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, further escalating geopolitical tensions in the region.

Following a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran in February 2026, US politicians reacted along party lines. Republicans largely supported President Trump's strikes, which he justified as a defense against Iranian threats. In contrast, Democrats failed to present a unified message of opposition. The attacks, which resulted in significant casualties including civilians, prompted retaliatory strikes by Iran against Israel and US bases in the Middle East. Initial polling indicated that a minority of Americans approved of the US attack, with strong Republican support contrasting with disapproval from most Democrats and Independents. The situation has raised concerns about escalating regional violence.

On Saturday, the US and Israel launched attacks across Iran, reportedly resulting in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the destruction of his compound in Tehran. US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the strikes. In response, Iran launched missiles and drones towards Israel and four Gulf Arab countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE – which host US military bases. Iranian state media confirmed Khamenei's death following the US-Israel attack. The reasons behind the initial US-Israel strikes were not explicitly stated in the provided article.

Following a joint U.S.-Israeli military action, Iran launched attacks against Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Bahrain. The attacks targeted these Gulf states in response to the prior U.S.-Israeli operation. The specific nature and extent of the attacks were not detailed in the provided information. The attacks threaten the image of security and openness that these states have cultivated. The timing and motivations behind the initial U.S.-Israeli action remain unspecified.

In March 2026, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israeli air attack, a significant blow to Iran's leadership since the 1979 revolution. The US, under President Trump, anticipates a swift collapse of the Iranian government, framing the operation as a "liberation" moment. However, analysts and insiders suggest the assassination could lead to a more militarized and aggressive Iranian state. They warn that the power vacuum might result in a "garrison state" willing to take extreme measures to survive. While Iran's President Pezeshkian vowed revenge, experts caution against assuming air strikes alone can trigger regime change without ground forces or internal uprising.

Following the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli air strike, China condemned the action amidst turmoil in Tehran and regional escalation. Despite the political uncertainty, analysts predict China's economic relationship with Iran, as its top oil buyer and trade partner, will remain strong. China is expected to maintain a pragmatic approach to Iran's new leadership, even if Tehran shifts towards the West, potentially impacting Chinese diplomatic and defense goals in the Middle East. A temporary leadership council consisting of Alireza Arafi, Masoud Pezeshkian, and Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei will govern until the Assembly of Experts selects Khamenei's successor. The US President has called for regime change in Iran.

Following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli attack on March 1, 2026, Iran has formed a three-member transitional council to govern the country. The council consists of Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei. Arafi's appointment was confirmed by the Expediency Council. According to the Iranian Constitution, this council will oversee state duties until the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member panel, selects a new supreme leader. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and security chief Ali Larijani are also expected to play significant roles during the transition. The commander-in-chief of the IRGC was also killed in the same attack.

On March 1, 2026, air traffic in the Middle East experienced significant disruption. According to Flightradar24, over 3,400 flights were canceled within the preceding 48 hours. The cancellations affected seven airports across the region. Airports impacted included those located in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. The reason for the widespread flight cancellations was not specified in the report.

Airspace closures across the Middle East, triggered by attacks between America/Israel and Iran, caused widespread flight disruptions, stranding or diverting hundreds of thousands of travelers. Several countries, including Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain, closed their airspace, leading to the suspension of operations at key international airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. Major airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad cancelled thousands of flights, impacting an estimated 90,000 passengers daily passing through these hubs. Over 3,400 flights were cancelled across seven major Middle Eastern airports on Sunday. Some airports and landmarks in the region sustained damage, resulting in injuries and at least one reported death. The closure of Iranian airspace was extended until Tuesday morning.

A video published on February 28, 2026, shows an Iranian missile strike on a United States military base in Bahrain. The strike was reported by Al Jazeera. According to the news report, the attack was part of Iran's retaliation for attacks by Israel and the US within Iran. The article provides no further details regarding the extent of damage or casualties resulting from the strike. The event is framed within the context of ongoing tensions and conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel.

The US and Israel have initiated a joint military operation against Iran, commencing with widespread airstrikes targeting key political, security, and military sites. The operation, dubbed "Operation Lion's Roar" by Israel, aims to degrade the Iranian regime's capabilities. Strikes hit at least 14 cities, including Tehran, targeting the residence of Supreme Leader Khamenei, weapons facilities, and ballistic missile caches. Satellite imagery confirms damage to Khamenei's compound. At least 85 people were reportedly killed and over 63 wounded in a strike on a girls' school in Minab, verified by Reuters. The stated goal of the operation is regime change, with the campaign continuing indefinitely.

Following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, world leaders are reacting cautiously amid growing fears of a wider war. The strikes, including one near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, occurred on Saturday. European leaders convened emergency meetings in response to the escalating situation. The international community is concerned about the potential for a broader conflict in the region. The strikes have prompted increased diplomatic activity as leaders seek to de-escalate tensions.

Following reported strikes in Iran by the US and Israel, Australia's National Security Committee is convening. Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated Australia was not informed in advance of the strikes and has updated travel advice for Israel, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. A crisis center has been activated to provide consular support to Australians in the region, and a registration portal has opened for Australians in Iran and Israel. Wong emphasized Iran's destabilizing role in the region and stated that Australia did not participate in the strikes. The Australian government advises Australians in the affected region to follow travel advice and seek safety, acknowledging potential difficulties with repatriation due to airspace closures.