In a notable escalation of tensions in the Middle East, satellite imagery has revealed damage to two covert Iranian military bases that were reportedly struck by Israeli airstrikes. The images, captured by Planet Labs, depict significant damage at Iran’s Parchin military base, a location where the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has previously suspected Tehran of conducting nuclear weapon tests.
Additionally, the satellite images indicate damage at the Khojir military base, thought to contain an underground tunnel system and missile production facilities. Located approximately 20 kilometers from downtown Tehran, at least two structures at Khojir appear to have been affected by the strikes.
While Iran has confirmed the attack, it strongly denies any damage to the military bases. Tehran asserts that the airstrikes resulted in the deaths of four Iranian soldiers involved in air defense operations, but does not acknowledge any structural impact. The full extent of the damage from the Israeli attack and the overall scope of the operation remain unclear.
In a statement released shortly after the attack on Saturday, the Israeli military specified that its targets were “missile manufacturing facilities used to produce missiles that Iran has fired at the state of Israel over the past year.” The destruction of these facilities could significantly hinder Iran’s ability to replenish its stockpile of ballistic missiles, a major concern for Israel.
This incident has heightened fears of potential regional instability and further escalated tensions between Iran and Israel. The IAEA, in a post on X, confirmed that Iran’s nuclear facilities were not affected by the airstrikes and that its inspectors continue their work without compromise. IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi urged for “prudence and restraint from actions that could jeopardize the safety and security of nuclear and other radioactive materials.”
The attack occurs amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel, with both nations involved in covert operations and escalating rhetoric. The Israeli strikes, alongside Tehran’s denial of damage and the ambiguity surrounding the operation’s scope, add complexity to an already fragile regional security environment.
