Satellite Shots Reveal War Damage Across the Middle East

Recent satellite images now give a clearer picture of how much damage has been done in the Middle East since the conflict began on Feb. 28. They show burning ships, ruined buildings, and fires that have spread to airports and air bases. One of the most striking photos shows ships on fire in Bandar Abbas, a key Iranian port next to the Strait of Hormuz. The US Central Command says it has already damaged or sunk more than 100 Iranian vessels, and the images confirm that some of those ships were destroyed by US strikes. In Bahrain, where the US Navy’s 5th Fleet is based, satellite photos reveal a major building and two radar domes that have been hit by Iranian missiles or drones. The Navy has not detailed the full extent of the damage, but Iran claims it targeted the base during its attacks. Similar hits on radar facilities were seen in Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base earlier this year. An Airbus satellite image from March 15 shows damage at Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra Air Base. One hangar in the northwest of the facility looks scorched, while another in the southeast shows shredded walls and roof damage. Al Dhafra hosts around 2, 000 American troops and has been used for drones and fighter jets. The US had only vaguely mentioned the base in public statements until the UAE became more open about the American presence.French forces also suffered losses. Satellite pictures from March 3 show two large hangars at France’s Camp de la Paix in Abu Dhabi damaged, likely from the same Iranian attacks that hit nearby ports and museums. The US Geological Survey’s Landsat satellites have helped spot fires caused by Iranian drones. One image shows a blaze at Dubai International Airport after a fuel tanker was set on fire, producing thick black smoke. Another photo from March 11 shows a persistent fire at Oman’s Salalah port, though Tehran denies involvement. These images come from several satellite providers. Planet Labs, a San Francisco company that supplies media outlets, has delayed releasing its high‑resolution shots for two weeks because of security concerns. Lower‑resolution images from the US Geological Survey have also proven useful. Overall, the satellite evidence shows that Iran’s attacks are hitting a wide range of targets—naval ships, military bases, radar sites, and even civilian infrastructure. The damage is widespread across the region, affecting both military operations and everyday life.