Satellite analysis provides first look at damage to structures across Iran during war

"What's clear is that there's really no frontline at the moment - it's simultaneous damage across different corners of Iran in a very short period of time. The analysis was conducted by Corey Scher and Jamon Van Den Hoek of Conflict Ecology, a geospatial research lab at the university, using techniques they have used in previous conflict zones."

"Damage to structures is widespread, particularly in Tehran, the capital and most populated city, and in the south central city of Shiraz. In the port city of Bandar Abbas, home to a major Iranian naval base, more than 40 structures were damaged, the research shows. Bandar Abbas holds a strategic position on the Strait of Hormuz, a conduit for one-fifth of the world's oil supply."

"The imagery is especially useful in cases where high-resolution optical imagery is not available, which has increasingly become the case in recent days as leading U.S.-based satellite imagery providers have restricted access. The internet has also largely been shut down in Iran, making it difficult to know the extent and scope of the damage."

Oregon State University researchers used Sentinel-1 satellite radar data to analyze damage across Iran following military strikes that began February 28. Comparing imagery from before the offensive with data collected between March 2-10, the analysis identified widespread damage to structures in multiple cities. Tehran and Shiraz experienced significant damage, while Bandar Abbas, home to a major naval base on the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, sustained damage to over 40 structures. The radar-based technique identifies building damage across developed areas but may miss smaller instances of damage in agricultural or undeveloped regions. Researchers note the absence of a traditional frontline, with simultaneous damage occurring across different areas in a short timeframe. Radar imagery proved particularly valuable as optical satellite imagery access became restricted and internet connectivity in Iran was largely shut down.

Read at The Washington Post