1️⃣ Large-scale strikes on Iran
On 28 February 2026, the U.S. and Israel launched coordinated air and missile attacks on Iran called Operation Lion’s Roar.
Wikipedia
Targets included:
Military bases
Nuclear facilities
Government and intelligence buildings in Tehran.
9News
Satellite imagery shows burning ships, destroyed buildings, and heavy smoke at several military locations.
Example satellite findings:
Konarak naval base: vessels burning and buildings damaged.
9News
Drone bases and aircraft shelters: roof damage and blast marks visible.
2️⃣ Tehran bombing damage visible from space
Satellite analysis shows major destruction across Tehran:
Government headquarters damaged
Military command centers hit
Infrastructure such as courts and broadcasting buildings destroyed.
Financial Times
Reports say over 1,200 people were killed nationwide during early attacks.
Financial Times
3️⃣ Iran’s retaliation
Iran responded with missile and drone strikes on:
U.S. bases in Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, Jordan
Israeli targets.
Wall Street Journal
Satellite images confirmed damage to important U.S. radar systems used for missile defense.
The Times of India
These radars act as the “eyes” of missile defense systems, so damaging them weakens U.S. defenses.
Wall Street Journal
4️⃣ Strait of Hormuz crisis
The war also caused a major global crisis:
Iran threatened ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil route.
Tanker traffic dropped drastically and oil prices jumped.
Wikipedia
About 20% of the world’s oil supply normally passes through this strait.
Wikipedia
5️⃣ Why satellite images matter
Because journalists cannot easily enter war zones, satellite imagery from companies like Planet Labs and Vantor is used to confirm:
destroyed buildings
military base damage
fires and smoke plumes
ship destruction.
Sky News