Iran, in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes, hit at least 16 US military installations in the Middle East, located in eight countries, CNN reported, citing its own investigation, satellite imagery, and anonymous sources in US military circles.

According to the channel, as a result of these attacks, most US military positions in the region were significantly damaged and are now practically unusable. An American source familiar with the situation told CNN that they had never seen anything like this at American bases before. He described these as rapid, targeted, and extremely precise strikes using advanced technology.

CNN's report focuses on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, home to the US Air Force's main command and control center, which coordinates the airspace of 21 countries. As journalist Tamara Hablawi reports, this control center was hit not once but twice, causing significant damage, according to US sources. The report also features satellite images showing impact marks, a destroyed reconnaissance aircraft, and damaged ground-based radio navigation systems.

CNN journalists attribute the precision and effectiveness of Iranian strikes to Tehran's acquisition of new-generation Chinese satellites back in 2024. As noted in the report, this is the first time in history that the US has encountered an adversary with satellites capable of obtaining high-resolution images, almost comparable in quality to American intelligence data.

Beyond the military consequences, CNN points to significant geopolitical shifts. A source in Saudi Arabia told the channel that this war has clearly demonstrated to the United States' oldest Arab ally that the alliance with Washington is neither exclusive nor unbreakable. Meanwhile, the White House and the Pentagon are not officially commenting on or confirming CNN's findings, although senior defense officials have previously acknowledged that a definitive assessment of the damage to American bases abroad is not yet available.