Satellite images shared with BBC Verify have provided a clearer view of the damage inflicted on two crucial Iranian nuclear sites and other military targets. The imagery from two different providers shows damage to the Natanz nuclear facility and a missile site south of Tabriz, which were hit in the initial strikes against Iran. Additionally, other images display damage to various known missile bases. Israel continues to target multiple sites across Iran, leading to retaliatory strikes.

Nuclear Sites

Newly released optical satellite images from Maxar offer the clearest insight into the events at key Iranian nuclear sites in Natanz and Isfahan. The analysis by the Institute for Space and International Security (ISIS) indicates damage to the pilot fuel enrichment plant and an electrical substation at Natanz.

Earlier radar imagery had already shown the damage. Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, reported to the UN Security Council that the above-ground part of the pilot fuel enrichment plant, where Iran was enriching uranium up to 60% U-235, had been destroyed. Uranium-235 is crucial for both nuclear power stations and nuclear weapons. Verified footage post-strikes depicted multiple smoke plumes rising from the site. Justin Bronk from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) suggested that the pattern of explosions aligns with the use of penetrating bombs, potentially GBU-31(V)3s or more specialized GBU-28s.

The IAEA confirmed that four critical buildings were damaged at Isfahan, including the Uranium conversion facility and the fuel plate fabrication plant. Analysis of the latest images from Maxar by BBC Verify revealed visible damage to at least two structures at Isfahan and a scorch mark near the site's periphery.

Missile/Radar Sites

Imagery and analysis from Umbra Space on Friday showed damage to various parts of a missile complex near Tabriz in north-western Iran. The damaged areas include weapon storage sites, missile shelters, and silos. In Kermanshah, low-resolution imagery from Planet Labs displayed extensive burn marks near a known missile base and potential damage to two buildings. Verified footage from the same site on Friday showed three large smoke plumes rising from the base.

The IAEA reported no increase in off-site radiation at Natanz or Isfahan. Maxar's imagery from other key Iranian nuclear sites, such as the Arak heavy water reactor and the Fordow enrichment facility, showed no visible signs of damage. Although Iranian media had claimed the Fordow site was targeted, the IDF has refuted these claims.