Satellite images show Iranian navy and nuclear sites hit by US-Israeli strikes

March 4, 2026

Satellite imagery confirms that U.S. and Israeli military operations have destroyed or damaged at least 11 Iranian naval vessels since Saturday, including Iran's largest ship, the IRINS Makran. The coordinated strikes have also targeted Iranian missile bases, air defense systems, drone facilities, and nuclear sites at Natanz, with President Trump declaring the annihilation of Iran's navy as a primary objective. While the attacks have significantly degraded Iran's conventional naval capabilities and reduced missile launches, analysts warn that Iran retains asymmetric warfare options including drones, mini-submarines, and the ability to disrupt commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Who is affected

Iranian naval forces (at least 11 vessels destroyed, 140 sailors missing)
Iranian military personnel at targeted bases and facilities
Iranian civilians (1,097 reported killed since Saturday, including 160 at a school in Minab)
U.S. military forces (conducting strikes through submarines and air campaigns)
Israeli military forces (conducting strikes on Tehran targets)
International shipping operators in the Strait of Hormuz, Arabian Gulf, and Gulf of Oman
Sri Lankan officials (conducting rescue operations)
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) personnel
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitoring activities

What action is being taken

U.S. and Israeli forces are conducting ongoing strikes against Iranian naval vessels, missile bases, air defense sites, drone facilities, and nuclear sites
A U.S. submarine is firing torpedoes at Iranian ships in the Indian Ocean
Sri Lankan officials are conducting a rescue operation for a sinking Iranian vessel
BBC Verify is continuing to monitor satellite images as the situation develops
Iranian naval vessels have ceased operations in the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman

Why it matters

This military campaign represents a significant escalation in U.S.-Israeli confrontation with Iran, with devastating impacts on Iran's conventional naval capabilities and military infrastructure. The strikes have strategic importance because they target Iran's ability to threaten international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route, while also attempting to degrade Iran's missile capabilities and nuclear program development. The conflict poses broader risks to regional stability and global energy markets, while the mounting civilian casualties raise humanitarian concerns. Although Iran's conventional naval power has been largely neutralized, its retained asymmetric warfare capabilities—including drones, mines, and shadow fleet vessels—mean it still possesses tools to disrupt maritime commerce and escalate the conflict further.

What's next

U.S. forces have stated they "will not stop" their operations against Iranian naval assets
MAIAR analysts predict Iran could turn to smaller, fast-attack vessels armed with anti-ship missiles in the coming days
BBC Verify will continue to monitor satellite images as the situation develops

Read full article from source: BBC