Iran war: What has been hit so far – and the military assets in play
Iran War: What has been hit so far – and the military assets in play
Following a sustained attack on Iran’s leadership, the US and Israel have escalated their operations, targeting the country for a fourth consecutive day. The strike that claimed the life of Iran’s supreme leader has intensified the regional conflict, with both nations demonstrating their military reach.
Strategic Strikes and Munitions
Operation Epic Fury, initiated by the US, began on Saturday, resulting in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at his Tehran residence. The US deployed precision-guided weapons, including air-delivered systems like the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW), alongside ballistic missiles such as the Blue Sparrow series and bombs ranging from 500 to 2,000 pounds. Surface-to-surface missiles, including Tomahawk-class variants and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSm), were also utilized, as noted by Nic Jenzen Jones, director at Armament Research Services (ARES).
“The United States and Israel have leveraged a range of guided munitions to strike Iran’s targets,” said Jones. “This included both air-launched systems and sea-based missile platforms, showcasing their coordinated approach.”
Israel contributed to the assault, conducting over 100 air strikes that eliminated numerous high-ranking Iranian military figures within three days. Iran’s retaliation has focused on striking key allies, including Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, and Qatar, using drones and missiles.
Retaliatory Actions and Targeting
Iran’s counterattacks have targeted US and UK facilities, with a drone strike damaging an RAF base in Cyprus. This incident underscored the regime’s ability to strike beyond its borders, as highlighted by Sky News. The Sajjil missile, Iran’s longest-range system, can reach up to 2,000km, sufficient to target Moscow or Athens but not yet capable of reaching the UK.
The UK’s base in Cyprus lies within range of several Iranian missile systems, including the Sajjil and Ghadr. Sir Keir Starmer initially denied US use of the facility for strikes, emphasizing its strategic significance amid the conflict. Meanwhile, the joint US-UK base in Diego Garcia, a frequent point of contention between Trump and the UK, has seen increased activity as planes transit through its airspace.
Air Traffic and Base Activity
Satellite images reveal the scale of military movements, with 47 US cargo and refueling aircraft operating between the Middle East and Europe. At least 15 of these planes passed through British bases, including Diego Garcia, where the US has maintained a presence despite political disputes. Analysts from Jane’s Defence Weekly noted that the UK operates only the P-8 Poseidon aircraft visible at the site, while other models are exclusive to US forces.
US air bases in Germany, such as Spangdahlem and Ramstein, have experienced a net loss of 52 aircraft since February 23. In contrast, bases in Kuwait, Israel, and Jordan have seen a buildup of planes, indicating a shift in operational focus. The UAE’s Al Udeid Air Base, a potential Iranian target, has also reported a decline in aircraft numbers.
Damage Assessment at Iranian Naval Sites
Recent satellite imagery highlights the toll on Iran’s naval infrastructure, showing fires at Bandar Abbas, the primary hub for the Iranian Navy. A significant vessel, the Makran, is seen ablaze near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for maritime trade. If this ship is rendered inoperable, it could weaken Iran’s naval capabilities substantially.
Sky News has monitored the Makran alongside five other Iranian ships, all positioned near Qeshm Island. The damage to these assets suggests a broader strategy to disrupt Iran’s military logistics and deter further aggression in the region.