Recent satellite imagery has shed light on the significant damage sustained by several critical nuclear facilities in Iran, including the Natanz and Isfahan sites, as well as various military installations. The imagery, provided by multiple sources, reveals the aftermath of recent airstrikes, highlighting the ongoing conflict and escalating tensions in the region.
Damage assessment of nuclear sites
High-resolution optical satellite images from Maxar illustrate the extent of destruction at the Natanz nuclear facility, particularly affecting the pilot fuel enrichment plant and an associated electrical substation. According to analysis conducted by the Institute for Space and International Security (ISIS), these recent developments confirm earlier assessments based on radar imagery.
The impact was underscored by Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), who informed the UN Security Council that “the above-ground part of the pilot fuel enrichment plant, where Iran was producing uranium enriched up to 60% U-235, has been destroyed.” This isotope is critical for both nuclear energy and weaponry.
Following the strikes, verified footage captured several plumes of smoke emanating from the facility. Defense analyst Justin Bronk from the Royal United Services Institute noted the patterns of the explosions suggest the use of penetrating bombs, likely GBU-31(V)3s or possibly more specialized GBU-28s, commonly referred to as “bunker busters.”
“The above-ground part of the pilot fuel enrichment plant, where Iran was producing uranium enriched up to 60% U-235, has been destroyed.”
While Grossi stated there is “no indication of a physical attack on the underground cascade hall” housing significant parts of the pilot fuel enrichment plant, the IAEA confirmed that several key structures at Isfahan, including the Uranium conversion facility and the fuel plate fabrication plant, suffered damage. Analysis of the latest imagery from Maxar indicates visible destruction at two locations within Isfahan, along with noticeable scorch marks around the facility’s perimeter.
Missile and radar site damage
In addition to the nuclear facilities, satellite images from Umbra Space have identified damage to a missile complex near Tabriz in northwestern Iran. The imagery reveals destruction across various components of the complex, including weapon storage areas, missile shelters, and silos.
Lower-resolution images from Planet Labs also capture extensive burn marks in proximity to a missile base in Kermanshah, as well as potential damage to two buildings. Verified video footage from the site showed multiple large smoke plumes rising, indicating the extent of the strikes.
Maxar’s analysis further indicated significant damage to an installation associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Ghadir ballistic missile base near Tehran, as well as considerable harm to an IRGC radar site located in Piranshahr, West Azerbaijan Province. Despite these destructive encounters, the IAEA has reported “no increase in off-site radiation” at either the Natanz or Isfahan facilities, suggesting that the impacts of the strikes, while severe, have not resulted in nuclear contamination.
The ongoing exchanges of strikes highlight the increasingly volatile situation surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and military capabilities, with implications for regional stability and international security.