An analysis of satellite data published Friday by researchers at Oregon State University provides one of the most comprehensive pictures to date of structures that have been hit since the start of the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran almost two weeks ago.
Damage to structures is widespread, particularly in Tehran, the capital and most populated city, and in the south central city of Shiraz, according to the research. In the port city of Bandar Abbas, home to a major Iranian naval base, more than 40 structures were damaged, the research shows. Bandar Abbas holds a strategic position on the Strait of Hormuz, a conduit for one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, where oil-laden vessels are backing up because of the threat of Iranian attacks.
The analysis was conducted by Corey Scher and Jamon Van Den Hoek of Conflict Ecology, a geospatial research lab at the university, using techniques they have used in previous conflict zones.
“What’s clear is that there’s really no frontline at the moment — it’s simultaneous damage across different corners of Iran in a very short period of time,” Van Den Hoek said.
The researchers compared data from a satellite called Sentinel-1 from before the offensive, which began on Feb. 28, against data collected between March 2 and March 10. Sentinel-1 uses radar to identify to changes on the ground, including damage or destruction to buildings. The analysis is not sensitive to damage in agricultural, vegetated or undeveloped areas. While the technique provides a unique window into damage across Iran, it is likely missing smaller instances of damage, according to Scher and Van Den Hoek.
The imagery is especially useful in cases where high-resolution optical imagery is not available, which has increasingly become the case in recent days as leading U.S.-based satellite imagery providers have restricted access. The internet has also largely been shut down in Iran, making it difficult to know the extent and scope of the damage.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a Pentagon news conference Friday that the U.S.-Israeli strikes have hit more than 15,000 enemy targets since the conflict began.
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