Satellite images captured between February 26 and April 1, 2026, show extensive destruction at 11 locations across Bandar Abbas, an Iranian port city near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, according to Al Jazeera. The Open Source Unit analysis identified severe structural damage to key warehouses and a docked vessel at the port; the IRIS Makran, a naval vessel, was directly hit and showed visible fires on its hull and thick smoke rising from its deck.

Destruction at Military Bases

Fath Air Base. Located near Karaj about 35km (22 miles) west of Tehran, serves as a primary operational hub for the IRGC Aerospace Force, housing key attack helicopter squadrons and drone units. High-resolution Airbus satellite imagery from April 10, 2026, reveals extensive destruction across the base, including collapsed roofs and severe structural damage at northern hangars and technical facilities, according to Al Jazeera. Widespread debris and burn marks were also observed on the tarmac.

The Bandar Abbas Naval Base. Located on the Strait of Hormuz. Serves as the primary homeport for the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy (IRIN), while Satellite imagery from Planet Labs captured on March 2 reveals extensive strike damage across the port. According to Al Jazeera. A direct hit to the IRIS Makran displayed visible fires on its hull and thick smoke rising from its deck.

Strategic Sites in Lebanon

Naqoura, located in southwestern Lebanon, serves as a highly strategic maritime frontier and headquarters for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Satellite imagery from Planet Labs and Airbus captured between February 18 and April 16 reveals extensive destruction across the area. According to Al Jazeera, more than 100 buildings were destroyed in the area.

Meanwhile, WELT reports that the US and Iran have been preparing for military escalation ahead of nuclear negotiations. US President Donald Trump deployed a second aircraft carrier to the region to reinforce the existing military presence. According to Reuters, citing two American officials, the Pentagon is preparing for a “wochenlange” operation in the event of renewed conflict. Iranian Major Guards conducted a military exercise in the Strait of Hormus to signal readiness to block the vital shipping route.

Assessment of Iranian Resilience

WEB.DE reports that a CIA assessment contradicts Trump’s public statements about the Iranian military’s weakness. According to the Washington Post, the CIA concluded that Iran has the capacity to maintain a naval blockade for months and retains significant military capabilities. Trump and his administration claimed Iran was on the brink of collapse, but the CIA assessment suggests otherwise. The conflict began in late February when the US and Israel launched joint air strikes, followed by the Iranian closure of the Strait of Hormus. A ceasefire was reached on April 8, following peace talks mediated by Pakistan.

Organización Mundial Bullying Sin Fronteras highlights the Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in Minab, southern Iran, which was struck on February 28, 2026. According to the New York Times, the Pentagon is investigating a missile attack that killed at least 175 children, mostly girls. Satellite images show that the school was separated from a Major Guard naval base in 2016. The US government has not officially commented on the attack, but Trump previously attributed responsibility to Iran.

Fox News reports that satellite imagery shows the scale of destruction across Iran, including the burning of ships and damaged facilities at Konarak and Bandar Abbas naval bases. The US Central Command confirmed that over 1,250 targets were attacked during the first two days of Operation “Epic Fury.” Drone bases in Choqa Balk and radar systems in Zahedan were also hit. Dense smoke was visible over Tehran, indicating that the conflict extended beyond military installations to the capital city. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks, expanding the conflict across the region.