Iran war: What has been hit so far – and the military assets in play
Iran War: Strike Locations and Military Assets in the Conflict
Hostilities between the United States and Iran have persisted for the fourth day, following an operation that claimed the life of the country’s highest-ranking spiritual and political leader. Sky News has compiled a detailed overview of the strikes executed by both sides, highlighting the strategic targets and weaponry involved in the escalating tensions.
US Strikes and Precision Munitions
Operation Epic Fury, initiated by the US on Saturday, targeted Iran’s leadership, resulting in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei within his Tehran residence. The assault utilized a range of guided weapons, including air-delivered systems like the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon and ballistic missiles such as the Blue Sparrow series. Bombs of varying sizes—500, 1,000, and 2,000 pounds—were also deployed.
“Preliminary analysis shows that the United States and Israel used a variety of precision guided munitions to strike Iran,” said Nic Jenzen Jones, director at Armament Research Services (ARES). “These included air-delivered weapons such as the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW), Blue Sparrow-series air-launched ballistic missiles, and various 500-, 1,000- and 2,000-pound-class bombs.”
Surface-to-surface missiles, including Tomahawk-series variants and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSm), were also part of the attack arsenal. Meanwhile, Iran retaliated by launching drones and missiles at Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, and Qatar, expanding the scope of the conflict.
Retaliation and Strategic Targets
Iran’s counterattacks have targeted several regional allies, with the US reporting six fatalities among its personnel. A drone strike hit a RAF base in Cyprus, underscoring the reach of Iran’s capabilities. The Sajjil missile, Iran’s longest-range system, can travel up to 2,000km, sufficient to strike Moscow or Athens but not the UK.
The UK’s military presence in Cyprus remains within range of Iran’s Ghadr and Emad-1 missiles, which are also capable of reaching the island. Sky News’ Data and Forensics team has identified key airbases across the Middle East and Europe that could be used for future operations against Iran.
Flight Movements and Base Activity
Flight tracking data reveals the deployment of 47 US military aircraft to and from the Middle East, with over half passing through British bases, including Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. This site, recently scrutinized by Donald Trump over UK plans to transfer Chagos Islands control to Mauritius, has become a focal point in the conflict.
Analysts note the strategic significance of the US-UK joint base, as Sir Keir Starmer initially withheld permission for its use in strikes on Tehran. Satellite images from Sunday morning captured at least 14 planes stationed near the runway, including six F-16 fighter jets and two P-8 Poseidon maritime spy planes. The remaining aircraft were transport models like the C-5 Galaxy and KC-135 Stratotankers, with the UK operating only the P-8 Poseidon.
Meanwhile, US airbases in Germany have seen a net loss of 52 planes since February 23, with 246 departing compared to 161 arrivals. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar also experienced a similar trend, as Iranian forces anticipated its use for counterattacks. In contrast, bases in Kuwait, Israel, and Jordan have seen increased activity, signaling shifting operational priorities.
Aftermath and Naval Impact
Satellite imagery shows damage at two Iranian naval installations, including fires at the military harbor in Bandar Abbas—a critical hub for the Iranian Navy and overseer of the Strait of Hormuz. A burning ship, the Makran, was also spotted, potentially a major blow to Iran’s naval capabilities if rendered inoperable. The Makran is among six vessels tracked by Sky News using TankerTrackers data, located near Qeshm Island in the strait.