Satellite images reveal damage from Iran war

Fires, destroyed buildings and ships seen in imagery from conflict

Mar. 19, 2026 at 8:05am by Ben Kaplan

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Satellite images are beginning to show the toll of the war between the U.S., Israel and Iran that began on February 28. The images, from Planet Labs and other providers, reveal damage to military bases, ports, and airports across the Middle East, including burning ships in an Iranian port, destroyed buildings at a U.S. base in Bahrain, and damage to air bases in the United Arab Emirates.

Why it matters

The war between the U.S., Israel and Iran has been largely shrouded in secrecy, with limited information available about the damage and casualties. These satellite images provide a rare glimpse into the scale of destruction from the conflict, which has major geopolitical and humanitarian implications for the region.

The details

The satellite images show extensive damage, including fires burning on ships in the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, a major military facility. At the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, a key building was destroyed along with radar domes. Damage is also visible at air bases in the UAE used by American forces, including hangars shredded by fire. Fires have been spotted at airports and ports across the region that have been targeted in the conflict.

  • The war between the U.S., Israel and Iran began on February 28, 2026.
  • Satellite images from Planet Labs and other providers were taken in early to mid-March 2026.

The players

Planet Labs PBC

A San Francisco-based satellite imaging company that has provided imagery of the damage from the Iran war, with a two-week delay to avoid potential misuse by adversaries.

U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet

The U.S. naval force headquartered in Bahrain, which has seen significant damage to its facilities from Iranian attacks.

Iran

The country that has been engaged in a war with the U.S. and Israel, launching missile and drone strikes against military and civilian targets across the Middle East.

United Arab Emirates

A key U.S. ally in the region that has seen damage to air bases and other facilities from Iranian attacks.

Bahrain

Home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, Bahrain has been a target of Iranian strikes during the conflict.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

These satellite images provide a rare and sobering look at the scale of destruction from the ongoing conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran, underscoring the high stakes and heavy toll of the war. The images highlight the vulnerability of military and civilian infrastructure across the Middle East, raising concerns about the broader humanitarian and geopolitical fallout from the fighting.