Iran war: What has been hit so far – and the military assets in play
Iran War: Damage Assessment and Key Military Assets
The United States and Israel have escalated their attacks on Iran, marking the fourth consecutive day of military strikes following the assassination of its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a targeted operation. With tensions showing no signs of abating, Sky News has compiled an overview of the assaults on both sides and the critical weapons systems involved in the conflict.
Strategic Strikes and Weaponry
The U.S. launched Operation Epic Fury on Saturday, delivering a series of precise strikes that eliminated Khamenei at his Tehran residence. Explore the locations of attacks on satellite maps to visualize the extent of the damage.
“Preliminary analysis indicates the U.S. and Israel employed a range of guided munitions, including air-launched ballistic missiles like the Blue Sparrow series and precision bombs of varying weights, such as 500-, 1,000-, and 2,000-pound-class variants,” said Nic Jenzen Jones, director at Armament Research Services (ARES).
Additionally, surface-to-surface missiles, including sea-based Tomahawk and land-based Precision Strike Missiles (PrSm), were deployed. Iran has since responded by targeting Israel and several Gulf nations with drones and ballistic missiles.
Retaliation and Casualties
The retaliation has included attacks on strategic locations, such as a drone strike on the RAF base in Cyprus, which underscored Iran’s growing military reach. The U.S. confirmed six service members were killed in the conflict, while the UK’s base in Cyprus remains within range of Iran’s longest-range Sajjil missile, capable of reaching up to 2,000km—enough to strike Moscow or Athens but not the entire UK.
Iran’s missile capabilities, including the Sajjil and Ghadr models, have drawn attention as they threaten key allies in the region. Sky News has tracked six Iranian vessels, including the Makran, which was damaged in an attack on a naval base near Bandar Abbas.
Military Movements and Bases
Satellite imagery reveals shifts in air force deployments, with U.S. military aircraft transiting through British bases. At least 15 planes passed through Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, highlighting its role as a critical refueling hub. Analysts from Jane’s Defence Weekly noted the UK does not operate the aircraft models seen at the base, except for the P-8 Poseidon.
Meanwhile, U.S. air bases in Germany have experienced a significant decline in aircraft numbers, with 246 planes departing since February 23, compared to 161 arrivals. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar also saw a net loss of 20 planes. In contrast, bases in Kuwait, Israel, and Jordan have seen increased activity, suggesting a repositioning of forces.
Damage to Iran’s naval infrastructure is evident in satellite images, showing fires at Bandar Abbas, a major naval hub and overseer of the Strait of Hormuz. The Makran, a large floating base, remains a focal point of concern for its potential impact on regional maritime operations.
