More than 50 Iranian military bases damaged in US strikes since start of war, satellite images show
Satellite Evidence Reveals Extensive Damage
More than 50 Iranian military bases – Recent satellite imagery has uncovered significant damage to over 50 Iranian military installations, including the headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), according to analysis by BBC Verify. These images, reviewed by experts, indicate widespread destruction across the country, with key facilities such as air force jets, naval bases, and ballistic missile sites reportedly hit. The data suggests that the US and its allies have launched numerous strikes targeting Iran’s military infrastructure since the conflict began on 28 February.
The Pentagon has confirmed that US forces have struck more than 13,000 targets in Iran during the war. This includes coordinated attacks with Israel, which have intensified in recent days. On Tuesday and Wednesday, US and Iranian forces exchanged fresh waves of strikes following the downing of a US helicopter in the Gulf. Meanwhile, Israel conducted attacks on southern Beirut and other military sites in Iran, marking a continued escalation in the region.
US-Israeli Strikes Target Key Infrastructure
Throughout the conflict, US-led operations have focused on critical Iranian assets. Satellite images reveal that runways and aircraft at multiple locations have been damaged, with experts noting that these strikes have granted the US de facto control over Iranian airspace. At Mehrabad International Airport, attacks on 7 March destroyed at least 17 military aircraft, while strikes at Shiraz Airbase between 2 and 17 April targeted 13 planes. These actions have severely weakened Iran’s air force capabilities.
Naval facilities have also faced heavy damage. The Bandar Abbas Naval Base, Iran’s primary maritime headquarters, saw multiple vessels and buildings hit in the war’s opening days. Smoke from damaged ships and administrative sections of the port were visible in satellite images on 4 March. Konarak naval base suffered similar strikes, with extensive damage reported to its infrastructure. Experts believe these attacks have crippled Iran’s naval operations, leaving its fleet in disarray.
President Trump’s Claim of Military Victory
Despite the scale of destruction, some US officials have asserted that the nation has achieved a decisive advantage. President Donald Trump claimed late last month that the US has “defeated them [Iran] militarily,” stating that “their navy is totally gone – 100 per cent” and “the air force is totally gone – 100 per cent.” These remarks were made to his daughter-in-law and Fox News presenter, Lara Trump, reflecting a broader narrative of US dominance in the region.
However, the damage to Iranian bases has not entirely halted their military activities. Satellite images reviewed by BBC Verify suggest that Tehran has been using the fragile ceasefire to repair critical infrastructure, such as tunnel entrances at key missile sites. This indicates that Iran is preparing for future operations, even as it endures sustained attacks. The ability to conduct such repairs highlights the resilience of the country’s military apparatus, despite the heavy losses.
Pentagon’s Restriction on Satellite Coverage
The US military has taken steps to limit the visibility of its operations. In March, the Pentagon requested Planet, a leading satellite imagery provider, to restrict coverage of Iran and most of the Middle East. The company argued that this measure was necessary to prevent adversarial actors from using the images to target allied personnel and civilians. Yet, BBC Verify’s analysis relied on older Planet images and data from international sources, allowing it to document damage at 51 military sites across the country.
While the analysis provides a partial picture, experts acknowledge that it may not capture the full extent of the damage. Many Iranian facilities remain secretive, making it difficult to assess their true condition. Janes, a private intelligence firm, estimates that Iran hosts 197 military and IRGC bases, suggesting that the damage observed is just a fraction of the overall impact. This secrecy complicates efforts to track the effectiveness of US strikes and Iran’s response strategies.
Tehran’s Counterstrikes and Resilience
Despite the losses, Iran continues to pose a threat through unconventional means. Experts emphasize that Tehran’s ability to retaliate stems less from its conventional forces than from its capacity to deploy missiles and drones. “Iran’s ability to defend itself is more about its counterstrike potential than its air force,” said Zev Faintuch of the security firm Global Guardian. This strategy has allowed the country to maintain a presence in the region, even as its military infrastructure is weakened.
The use of small, inexpensive drones has become a hallmark of Iran’s tactical approach. These drones have targeted US and Israeli installations across the Middle East, including several bases. The Shahed model, exported to allies like Russia, has proven effective in delivering precision strikes. Raphael Cohen, Director of the National Security Program at the RAND School of Public Policy, noted that Iran’s “mosquito fleet” of small, fast vessels in the Strait of Hormuz remains a persistent threat. These vessels, though less formidable individually, can disrupt commercial and military traffic in the strategic waterway.
Ongoing Threat and Future Implications
Satellite images also reveal that Tehran is repairing at least four of its ballistic missile bases, signaling a renewed focus on offensive capabilities. At the Tabriz missile base, roads appear to have been cleared of debris, suggesting active reconstruction efforts. This dual strategy of sustaining damage while rebuilding infrastructure underscores Iran’s determination to endure the conflict.
While the US has claimed victory in certain sectors, the ongoing damage to Iranian facilities highlights the war’s complexity. The temporary ceasefire, which has lasted over a month, has provided Iran with a window to recover. Yet, the country’s ability to launch counterattacks remains intact, as evidenced by its use of drones and missile sites. The combination of sustained attacks and strategic repairs may allow Iran to prolong the conflict, balancing losses with continued operations.
“Iran’s conventional forces may be weakened, but its capacity to retaliate through asymmetric means ensures it remains a formidable adversary,” said one military analyst. This adaptability has allowed Tehran to navigate the war’s challenges, even as US strikes target its key assets.
The analysis of satellite imagery continues to evolve, offering new insights into the war’s impact. While the US has inflicted significant damage, the resilience of Iran’s military and its ability to repair and reorganize suggest that the conflict may not be over. The interplay between offensive strikes and defensive strategies will likely define the war’s trajectory in the coming months.
