The ongoing conflict between Iran and the US-Israel alliance has escalated, with no signs of a resolution in sight. This regional crisis began with the launch of Operation Epic Fury, resulting in the tragic death of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In the aftermath, both sides have engaged in a series of assaults, utilizing a range of military assets.
A Global Concern
The US initiated the operation with a series of strikes on Saturday, targeting Khamenei's compound in Tehran. Israel joined the offensive, carrying out over 100 aerial strikes in just three days, resulting in the deaths of numerous top Iranian military officials. Nic Jenzen Jones, director at Armament Research Services (ARES), analyzed the situation, revealing the use of precision-guided munitions, including the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW), Blue Sparrow missiles, and various bombs ranging from 500 to 2,000 pounds. Additionally, surface-to-surface missiles, such as the Tomahawk series and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSm), were employed.
Iran, in retaliation, has launched drones and missiles targeting Israel and several other countries in the region, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, and Qatar. The US has confirmed the loss of six service members, and an RAF base in Cyprus was also struck by a drone attack.
Iran's Reach
Iran's drone attack on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus serves as a stark reminder of its military capabilities. According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Iran's longest-range missile, the Sajjil, has a maximum range of up to 2,000km (1,240 miles). This range is significant, as it can reach cities like Moscow or Athens, although it falls short of striking the UK. However, the UK's base in Cyprus is well within the range of not only the Sajjil but also Iran's Ghadr and Emad-1 missiles.
The Role of Air Power
Sky News' Data and Forensics team has mapped out US and UK air bases in the Middle East and Europe, highlighting their potential role in launching attacks on Iran. Flight tracking data reveals the paths taken by US military cargo and refueling planes over recent days, with at least 15 of these planes passing through British bases, including Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. This base has been a point of contention, with Donald Trump criticizing the UK's plans to cede control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The Iran conflict has underscored the strategic importance of this joint US-UK military base, with Sir Keir Starmer initially denying permission for its use by the US to strike Tehran.
Satellite imagery captured on Sunday morning shows at least 14 planes stationed at the base, including F-16 fighter jets and P-8 Poseidon maritime spy planes. The UK does not operate any of the aircraft models visible, except for the P-8 Poseidon, according to analysts at Jane's Defence Weekly. As planes head to the Middle East, US air bases in Germany have been significantly emptied, with a net decrease of 52 planes at Spangdahlem and Ramstein air bases since February 23.
Naval Assets in Focus
The aftermath of strikes is evident in satellite imagery of two Iranian naval bases. Fires can be seen at the military harbor in Bandar Abbas, the main headquarters of the Iranian Navy, which oversees the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. A burning ship, the Makran, is also visible, and its inoperability would significantly impact Iran's naval capabilities.
Smoke is also visible at the Konarak Naval Base, located on Iran's southern coast. Strikes have been reported at two other navy installations, with Sky News mapping the facilities of the Iranian Navy, which are concentrated near the Strait of Hormuz. This strait, between Iran and Oman, is a vital waterway for Iran and other oil producers in the region.
US Naval Presence
At least three US military ships are believed to be in the Persian Gulf, with an additional 12 positioned around the Middle East and Mediterranean. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln was spotted within 200km of the Omani coast on February 25, accompanied by an unknown ship potentially used for replenishment or drills. The USS Gerald R Ford, the largest aircraft carrier in the US fleet, was last seen on February 27 in the Mediterranean Sea, approximately 400km from the coast of Cyprus. It was reportedly traveling with three US destroyers, capable of carrying over 6,000 personnel in total.
This ongoing conflict has global implications, with the potential for further escalation. As the situation unfolds, the world watches with bated breath, wondering what the next move will be and how far this conflict will reach.
