Newly captured satellite imagery shows Iran's largest warship, the IRINS Makran, on fire at its home port of Bandar Abbas. The images, obtained by Business Insider from the US commercial imaging firm Planet Labs PBC, depict a massive plume of smoke rising from the vessel on Monday.
The Makran, a former oil tanker converted into a floating base, is a central asset in Iran's naval fleet. The fire comes amid a major escalation in hostilities, following US President Donald Trump's weekend announcement of "major combat operations" against Iran.
US Claims Naval Dominance
US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated on Monday that it has destroyed all 11 of Iran's ships in the Gulf of Oman. It remains unclear if this tally includes the Makran. Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed that initial US strikes targeted Iran's naval forces, command centres, intelligence infrastructure, and ballistic missile sites.
Additional satellite imagery from Sunday, captured by US firm Vantor, showed destroyed and sinking vessels, as well as damaged buildings at the Iranian naval base in Konarak.
Strategic Significance of the Makran
Iran converted the Makran into a forward base ship in 2020, commissioning it the following year. While not a traditional combat ship, its deck can accommodate missile launchers, rocket artillery, and vertical takeoff drones. The vessel, capable of carrying roughly a dozen helicopters, has completed several long-distance voyages, including one that circled the globe.
The Makran is part of a broader strategy where Tehran has converted several civilian vessels, like container ships, into militarised drone carriers. CENTCOM reported striking one such carrier, the Shahid Bagheri, in the conflict's opening hours; its current status is unknown.
Widespread Regional Strikes and Retaliation
US and Israeli aircraft have targeted Iranian air defences, securing air superiority over large parts of the country. Satellite imagery reveals widespread damage across Iran at drone bases, air bases, official compounds, and missile sites.
In retaliation, Iran has launched waves of missiles and drones at bases hosting US forces across the Middle East and Israel. While the US and its allies claim to have intercepted hundreds of these projectiles, some have penetrated defences, killing more than a dozen people, including six American service members.
Escalating Conflict and Future Implications
The attack on the Makran represents a significant blow to Iran's naval projection capabilities. The ongoing conflict marks a severe intensification of long-standing tensions, with both sides engaging in widespread strikes on military and strategic infrastructure. The situation continues to develop, with further military actions and diplomatic manoeuvres expected in the coming days.