Iran war: What has been hit so far – and the military assets in play
Iran War: Assessing Damage and Strategic Forces
Hostilities between the US and Iran have extended into their fourth day, with Israel contributing to the aerial assaults that eliminated the Islamic Republic’s top leadership. The conflict shows no signs of abating, prompting Sky News to compile a detailed overview of the targets and military resources involved.
Operation Epic Fury and Israeli Strikes
The US initiated its operation on Saturday, targeting Iran’s capital with strikes that claimed the life of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Concurrently, Israel escalated its efforts, conducting over 100 air attacks in three days to neutralize key Iranian military figures.
“Initial reports indicate the US and Israel deployed precision-guided munitions, including air-launched ballistic missiles and various bomb types, to strike Iranian infrastructure,” stated Nic Jenzen Jones, director at Armament Research Services (ARES).
Additional strikes utilized surface-to-surface weaponry, such as Tomahawk missiles from naval platforms and the land-based Precision Strike Missile (PrSm). These systems underscore the technological diversity of the attacks.
Iran’s Retaliation and Targeted Strikes
Iran has responded with coordinated drone and missile launches, hitting Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, and Qatar. A notable incident occurred at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, where a drone strike targeted the UK’s military base, demonstrating Iran’s reach.
The Sajjil missile, Iran’s longest-range weapon, can strike up to 2,000km, covering Moscow and Athens but falling short of targeting the UK. This capability highlights the regional scope of the conflict, though its impact remains limited.
Base Activity and Air Movement
Satellite maps reveal significant shifts in military aircraft activity. Over 47 US planes have been tracked moving between Europe and the Middle East, with 15 passing through British facilities like Diego Garcia. Analysts note this location, previously controversial due to UK plans to hand over Chagos Islands to Mauritius, has remained a focal point.
Meanwhile, US air bases in Germany have seen a net loss of 52 aircraft, with more departing than arriving. In contrast, bases in Kuwait, Israel, and Jordan have accumulated planes, signaling a strategic realignment of forces.
Impact on Iranian Naval Assets
Recent satellite imagery shows visible damage at two Iranian naval installations. Bandar Abbas, the Navy’s primary hub, experienced fires at its military port, while the vessel Makran was partially destroyed. This marks a significant blow to Iran’s maritime capabilities, as the ship serves as a mobile base.
The Makran is among six Iranian vessels monitored by Sky News, located near Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts suggest the damage could disrupt Iran’s ability to project naval power in the region.
