New satellite imagery obtained by Business Insider shows an Iranian warship ablaze at a naval base following widespread airstrikes by the United States and Israel. The images, captured on Saturday by US spatial intelligence firm Vantor, depict the immediate aftermath of Operation Epic Fury, a major combat operation launched after the collapse of nuclear talks with Tehran.
The strikes represent a significant escalation, marking the second US-led campaign against Iran in less than a year. In a video message, US President Donald Trump stated the goal was to ensure Iran can "never" have a nuclear weapon and urged Iranian citizens to "take control" in the operation's wake.
Initial Damage Assessment
The Vantor images show a frigate burning at the Konarak naval base in southern Iran, with a large plume of smoke rising from the vessel. In a close-up, two other frigates are visible nearby and appear undamaged. War analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported unconfirmed strikes on the IRGC Navy frigate Jamaran and the IRGC Navy Imam Ali base in Chabahar.
Other satellite images from the same day show drone launch activity at two nearby airbases in Konarak, indicating preparatory or retaliatory movements by Iranian forces.
Retaliatory Strikes and Regional Fallout
In response to the initial attacks, Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes at US military bases in Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Iran also launched multiple barrages at Israel, announcing it was carrying out an "extensive drone offensive operation" against its longtime foe.
The US strikes employed a mix of weapons including Tomahawk cruise missiles, HIMARS, drones, and undisclosed standoff weapons. US air defences, including Patriot and THAAD batteries, were activated in response to the Iranian counter-attacks.
Context and Escalation
Saturday's operation follows a previous US strike on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025. In the weeks leading up to the latest attack, the US had built up a substantial force presence in and around the Middle East. President Trump explicitly stated the US military was "going to annihilate" the Iranian navy alongside other military capabilities.
The collapse of negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme served as the immediate catalyst for the military action. The broader strategic objective, as stated by the US administration, remains the permanent prevention of an Iranian nuclear weapon.