Recent satellite imagery analyzed by BBC Verify has revealed damage to several military facilities in Iran following Israeli airstrikes that occurred on Saturday. Among the affected sites are those identified by experts as connected to missile production and air defense, including a facility previously associated with Iran’s nuclear endeavors.

The imagery shows significant structural damage at a key weapons development and production site in Parchin, located approximately 30 kilometers east of Tehran. Analysts from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) have indicated that this location has been linked to the production of rockets. A comparison of high-resolution satellite images taken on September 9 and October 27 shows at least four buildings have been notably impacted, including one referred to as Taleghan 2, which has ties to Iran’s nuclear activities as reported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In 2016, the IAEA discovered uranium particles at this site, raising concerns about illicit nuclear operations.

Another location targeted in these air strikes is Khojir, situated around 20 kilometers northwest of Parchin. Fabian Hinz from the IISS noted that Khojir houses a significant concentration of ballistic missile infrastructure in Iran. This site was previously noted for a mysterious large explosion in 2020. Satellite photographs indicate that at least two structures within this complex have sustained severe damage.

Analysts from Sibylline, a risk intelligence firm, assessed that the destruction of Iranian facilities linked to rocket fuel production at both Parchin and Khojir would hinder Iran’s capability to launch large-scale attacks against Israeli air defenses effectively.

Damage has also been detected at a military installation in Shahroud, located about 350 kilometers east of Tehran. This facility is critical due to its role in producing components for long-range missiles. The nearby Shahroud Space Centre is overseen by the Revolutionary Guards Corps and was used for launching a military satellite into space in 2020.

While Israel claims it effectively struck various Iranian aerial defense systems, confirming these assertions through available satellite imagery remains challenging. One image suggests damage to what experts believe is a radar installation on Shah Nakhjir mountain near Ilam city. Jeremy Binnie from Janes notes that this installation may have recently undergone significant upgrades.

Additionally, there are indications of damage to a storage facility at the Abadan Oil Refinery in Khuzestan province. This site is noteworthy as it produces up to 500,000 barrels per day; however, it’s unclear what led to the damage reported there.

The situation remains fluid as investigations continue into the extent and causes of the damage across multiple sites in Iran following these airstrikes.