Iran war: What has been hit so far – and the military assets in play
Iran War: Assessing Damage and Key Military Assets
Hostilities between the US and Iran have escalated over three days, with strikes targeting the Islamic Republic’s leadership. The conflict has seen intensified operations, including the killing of Iran’s supreme leader during an aerial assault.
Sky News has compiled data to illustrate the extent of attacks on both sides and the critical military assets involved in the region. The US launched Operation Epic Fury, commencing with strikes that eliminated Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in his Tehran residence.
Targeted Strikes and Weaponry
Israel joined the campaign, conducting over 100 air raids in three days that claimed multiple high-ranking Iranian military figures. “The US and Israel deployed a range of precision-guided munitions in their strikes,” explained Nic Jenzen Jones, director at Armament Research Services (ARES). This included air-launched ballistic missiles like the Blue Sparrow series, as well as bombs of varying weights—from 500 to 2,000 pounds.
“Surface-to-surface missiles were also involved, such as Tomahawk variants from naval platforms and the land-based Precision Strike Missile (PrSm).”
Iran’s Response and Strategic Range
Iran has retaliated by launching drones and missiles against Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, and Qatar. A drone strike targeted an RAF base in Cyprus, underscoring the regime’s capabilities. The Sajjil, Iran’s longest-range missile, can reach up to 2,000km, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies. While this range allows targeting Moscow or Athens, it does not extend to the UK.
Base Activity and Aircraft Movements
Satellite imagery reveals shifts in military operations. At least 14 planes, including F-16 fighters and P-8 Poseidons, are stationed near the runway at a key base. Analysts noted that the UK operates only the P-8 models visible in the data, with other aircraft belonging to US forces.
Flight tracking data highlights the movement of 47 US cargo and refueling planes, many passing through British facilities like Diego Garcia. The base has drawn political attention, as Donald Trump previously criticized the UK’s decision to transfer control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The conflict has underscored the strategic value of the US-UK joint base, with Sir Keir Starmer initially blocking its use for strikes on Tehran.
Operational Shifts and Damage Reports
Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar has seen a significant reduction in aircraft numbers, with more planes departing than arriving. In contrast, bases in Kuwait, Israel, and Jordan have seen increased activity. Satellite images also show the aftermath of strikes at two Iranian naval installations, including fires at Bandar Abbas—the Navy’s central hub—and the damaged vessel Makran.
The Makran, Iran’s largest naval ship, is now identified as a potential casualty. Its inoperability could weaken Iran’s maritime capabilities. Sky News has monitored six such ships near Qeshm Island, positioned within the Strait of Hormuz.
