What happened in 40 days of war on Iran | By the Numbers

Key Concepts

• Asymmetric Warfare: The use of low-cost drones against high-cost interceptor systems.
• Energy Infrastructure Vulnerability: The strategic targeting of critical energy assets (LNG plants, refineries, desalination facilities).
• Strait of Hormuz: A critical maritime chokepoint for 20% of global seaborne oil.
• Collateral Damage: The impact of military strikes on civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and heritage sites.
• Economic Disruption: The long-term global impact of energy supply chain failures.

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1. Overview of the 40-Day Conflict

Beginning February 28, 2026, a large-scale military conflict erupted involving the US, Israel, and Iran. Over 40 days, the US and Israel conducted over 3,000 strikes across most Iranian provinces. Iran retaliated by launching over 1,500 strikes outside its borders, targeting not only Israel but also more than a dozen other nations.

2. Military Tactics and Weaponry

• US/Israeli Strikes: Targeted military bases, nuclear facilities, and oil infrastructure. Significant collateral damage was reported, including hits on hospitals, schools, residential areas, and at least 56 heritage sites.
• Iranian Retaliation:
  • Ballistic Missiles: 312 missiles were fired at Israel.
  • Drone Swarms: Iran utilized low-cost drones (approx. $50,000 each) to overwhelm defense systems.
  • Interceptor Costs: Defensive missiles used to counter these drones cost roughly 10 times the price of the drones themselves.
  • Gulf Impact: The UAE alone faced over 2,500 attacks, averaging one interception every 20 minutes. Across the Gulf, approximately 2,400 interceptors were expended.

3. Targeting of Critical Infrastructure

The conflict resulted in what the International Energy Agency (IEA) described as the largest energy supply disruption in history.

• Qatar: The Ras Laffan LNG plant, which produces 20% of the global supply, suffered damage that wiped out 17% of its export capacity. Restoration is estimated to take up to 5 years and cost billions.
• Kuwait: Drones struck power plants and desalination facilities.
• Bahrain: The Bapco refinery was set ablaze.
• UAE: Gas processing plants were shut down, and Amazon data centers were destroyed by fire.
• Maritime Impact: The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed since March 2, halting 20% of global seaborne oil transit.

4. Human Cost and Casualties

The human toll of the 40-day conflict was extensive and multinational:

• Inside Iran: 1,900 killed and 20,000 injured. A notable tragedy occurred on the first day when a school near a military base was hit, killing over 170 people, mostly schoolgirls.
• Israel: 23 civilians killed, 550+ injured; 11 soldiers killed.
• US Military: 13 service members killed, 300+ wounded.
• Lebanon: 1,500+ killed since March 2, including 10 Lebanese soldiers and 400 Hezbollah fighters.
• Gulf States: 22 civilian fatalities, including foreign nationals (e.g., a Bangladeshi delivery driver and a Nepali security guard). The UAE casualty list included individuals from 29 different nationalities.

5. Synthesis and Conclusion

The 40-day conflict represents a paradigm shift in modern warfare, characterized by the vulnerability of global energy infrastructure and the high economic cost of defensive operations against drone swarms. The destruction of critical facilities like the Ras Laffan plant and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have created long-term global economic instability. The conflict also highlighted the severe humanitarian consequences of modern military engagements, with significant civilian casualties and the destruction of essential infrastructure across multiple nations. The inability of many civilians to evacuate the conflict zones further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.