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Satellite imagery shows damage at 20 US military sites from Iranian strikes: Report

Ballistic missiles launch during an Iranian Revolutionary Guards military exercise targeting sites in the Indian Ocean. (AFP Photo)
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Ballistic missiles launch during an Iranian Revolutionary Guards military exercise targeting sites in the Indian Ocean. (AFP Photo)
June 01, 2026 12:58 PM GMT+03:00

Iranian strikes have damaged 20 U.S. military facilities across the Middle East since the start of the U.S.-Israeli war against Tehran in February, according to a BBC analysis published on Monday.

The assessment, conducted by BBC Verify, examined satellite imagery and videos from multiple international providers, as well as archived images from Planet, to evaluate damage caused by Iranian attacks.

According to the report, the targeted facilities were located in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, Bahrain and Oman.

This picture shows a satellite image of Ali Al Salem Airbase in Kuwait, accessed on June 1, 2026. (Photo via BBC)
This picture shows a satellite image of Ali Al Salem Airbase in Kuwait, accessed on June 1, 2026. (Photo via BBC)

Analysts question US assessments of Iranian capabilities

The findings come amid repeated statements by the White House that Iran’s military capabilities have been largely destroyed.

Analysts cited in the report argued that the observed damage suggests Iran’s retaliatory strikes were more precise and extensive than U.S. officials have publicly acknowledged.

Among the most significant losses identified were three advanced anti-ballistic missile battery systems at Al Ruwais and Al Sader airbases in the United Arab Emirates, as well as at the Muwaffaq Salti Airbase in Jordan.

Over 40 days of conflict, strikes hit US military, diplomatic and intelligence sites across the region, disabling critical assets including aircraft, satellites and other key systems. (AA Graphics)
Over 40 days of conflict, strikes hit US military, diplomatic and intelligence sites across the region, disabling critical assets including aircraft, satellites and other key systems. (AA Graphics)

The analysis also indicated that Iranian attacks caused extensive damage to U.S. refueling and surveillance aircraft at Prince Sultan Airbase in Saudi Arabia.

Satellite images reportedly showed wrecked aircraft and burn marks at the facility.

According to the report, an analyst from the Military Analysis and Intelligence Assessment Research (MAIAR) identified one of the damaged aircraft as a Boeing E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system surveillance plane, which U.S. media outlets estimate could cost up to $700 million to replace.

The photo shows the damage at the U.S. Air Force E-3G Sentry airborne warning and control aircraft at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia following an Iranian attack. (Photo via X)
The photo shows the damage at the U.S. Air Force E-3G Sentry airborne warning and control aircraft at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia following an Iranian attack. (Photo via X)

Multiple Gulf facilities affected

The report also said Iranian strikes hit Ali Al Salem Airbase and Camp Arifjan in Kuwait.

Analysts at MAIAR identified what they described as destroyed fuel storage bunkers, aircraft hangars and troop accommodation facilities in satellite imagery, suggesting the base was struck multiple times during the conflict.

At Camp Arifjan, defense intelligence firm Janes reportedly identified significant damage to satellite communications equipment.

Regional tensions escalated on Feb. 28 when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran.

Tehran responded with attacks targeting Israel and U.S. allies in the Gulf and by closing the Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, but subsequent talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement.

Since then, Washington and Tehran have continued exchanging proposals and counterproposals in an effort to resume direct negotiations and reach a broader settlement to the conflict.

June 01, 2026 12:59 PM GMT+03:00
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