Iran war: What has been hit so far – and the military assets in play
Iran War: Impact of Strikes and Strategic Assets in Play
The fourth consecutive day of attacks has seen the US and Israel intensify their campaign against Iran, resulting in the death of its supreme leader. As hostilities persist without a clear resolution, Sky News has compiled a detailed overview of the strikes and the military resources engaged in the region.
US Operation Targets Iranian Leadership
Operation Epic Fury, initiated by the US, commenced with precision strikes targeting Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s residence in Tehran. These initial actions marked a significant escalation in the conflict, highlighting the strategic focus on Iran’s highest echelons of power.
“Preliminary analysis indicates the US and Israel employed a range of precision-guided munitions against Iran,” said Nic Jenzen Jones of Armament Research Services (ARES).
The arsenal deployed included air-delivered systems such as the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) and Blue Sparrow-series ballistic missiles, alongside bombs varying in weight from 500 to 2,000 pounds. Surface-to-surface missiles, like the Tomahawk and Precision Strike Missile (PrSm), were also utilized, showcasing a multi-layered approach to the strikes.
Iranian Retaliation and UK Bases in Crosshairs
In response, Iran has launched drone and missile assaults against Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, and Qatar. The UK’s base in Cyprus faced a drone strike, underscoring Iran’s ability to reach strategic locations in Europe. This attack demonstrated the regime’s growing military reach, though its longest-range missile, the Sajjil, remains within 2,000km of Moscow and Athens, falling short of threatening the UK directly.
While the Sajjil missile poses a regional threat, Iran’s Ghadr and Emad-1 systems can strike the UK’s Cypriot base. The conflict has drawn attention to the significance of the joint US-UK base, which has been a focal point of strategic discussions, including Sir Keir Starmer’s initial hesitance to allow US operations from its facilities.
Military Movements and Base Activity
Flight tracking data reveals the movement of 47 US military aircraft over recent days, with 15 of them passing through British bases, including Diego Garcia. This location, recently scrutinized by Donald Trump for UK plans to transfer Chagos Islands to Mauritius, now stands as a key transit hub for the campaign.
Meanwhile, US air bases in Germany have seen a notable reduction in aircraft numbers. Since 23 February, 246 planes have departed Spangdahlem and Ramstein, resulting in a net loss of 52. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a potential Iranian target, has also experienced a decline in aircraft presence.
Conversely, bases in Kuwait, Israel, and Jordan have seen increased activity, indicating a shift in operational focus. Satellite imagery captures the scene at the UK’s joint base, with at least 14 aircraft stationed near the runway, including six F-16 jets and two P-8 Poseidon surveillance planes. Jane’s Defence Weekly analysts noted that the UK operates only the P-8 model among these, with the rest being US transport aircraft like the C-5 Galaxy and KC-135 Stratotankers.
Naval Base Aftermath and Strategic Losses
Satellite images of Iranian naval installations show damage following recent strikes. Bandar Abbas, the heart of Iran’s naval operations, is marked by fires at its military harbor. A vessel named Makran, Iran’s largest naval ship and a floating base, is partially consumed by flames in the footage.
Though the extent of damage remains unclear, the inoperability of the Makran could weaken Iran’s maritime capabilities. Sky News has tracked six such ships using data from TankerTrackers, positioning them near Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic importance of this waterway further emphasizes the disruption caused by the attacks.
