Iran war: What has been hit so far – and the military assets in play
Iran War: Assessing Damage and Military Assets in the Conflict
Following three days of bombardment, the US and Israel have intensified their assault on Iran, marking the fourth consecutive day of hostilities. The operation claimed the life of the nation’s highest spiritual authority, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
With tensions persisting, Sky News has compiled a detailed overview of the attacks exchanged by both sides. This analysis includes the strategic assets engaged in the region’s escalating military standoff.
Operation Epic Fury and Its Targets
The offensive commenced on Saturday with coordinated strikes targeting key locations in Tehran. These attacks, attributed to the US, led to the demise of Iran’s supreme leader.
Satellite maps reveal the locations of these strikes, offering a visual breakdown of the areas impacted. Israel has also joined the campaign, conducting over 100 air raids that resulted in the deaths of multiple high-ranking Iranian military figures.
“The US and Israel employed precision-guided weaponry, including air-delivered systems like the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW), Blue Sparrow-series ballistic missiles, and various bomb types ranging from 500 to 2,000 pounds,” said Nic Jenzen Jones, ARES director.
Additionally, surface-to-surface missiles such as the Tomahawk and Precision Strike Missile (PrSm) were deployed, with some launched from maritime platforms.
Iran’s Retaliation and Regional Impact
Iran has retaliated by targeting several Western allies, including Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, and Qatar. The strikes have also affected a UK military outpost in Cyprus, where six service personnel were confirmed dead.
A drone attack on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus showcased Iran’s ability to strike distant locations. However, its reach remains limited, as the Sajjil missile, Iran’s longest-range weapon, can target up to 2,000km away—enough to reach Moscow or Athens, but not sufficient to threaten the UK.
The UK’s base in Cyprus lies within range of multiple Iranian missile systems, including the Ghadr and Emad-1, according to defense analysts.
Military Movements and Strategic Bases
Sky News has tracked the deployment of US and UK air bases in the Middle East and Europe, highlighting their role in launching operations against Iran. Flight data indicates 47 US cargo and refueling planes have been active recently, with 15 passing through British facilities, including Diego Garcia.
Diego Garcia, a critical hub in the Indian Ocean, has drawn attention for its strategic value. Meanwhile, US bases in Germany have seen a significant reduction in aircraft numbers, with 246 planes departing compared to 161 arriving since February 23.
Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base, a key location for US forces, has also experienced a net loss of 20 planes. Analysts suggest it was a likely target for Iranian counterstrikes.
Aftermath and Naval Damage
Satellite imagery captured near Bandar Abbas, Iran’s primary naval command center, reveals signs of destruction at the military harbor. The vessel Makran, Iran’s largest naval ship and a mobile base, appears to be damaged in the footage.
The Makran, along with five other ships tracked by Sky News through TankerTrackers, is positioned near Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts estimate the extent of damage to the ship, though its operational status remains uncertain.
The burning of the Makran could weaken Iran’s naval capabilities, particularly as it plays a vital role in maritime operations and regional control.
