From Tehran to Dubai: Geolocated videos show the shockwaves of US-Israeli strikes — and Iran’s retaliation
From Tehran to Dubai: Geolocated videos show the shockwaves of US-Israeli strikes — and Iran’s retaliation
On Saturday, the United States and Israel executed a coordinated assault on Iranian infrastructure, with social media clips analyzed by CNN revealing the effects across the region. The attacks targeted key military installations, and reports from Truth Social claimed the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was among the casualties. However, confirmation of his death remains pending.
Impact on Iranian Capital
Footage from Tehran showed widespread destruction, particularly in areas housing critical government and military structures. The facility known as the beyt-e rahbari, which serves as the center of the Supreme Leader’s authority, appeared to be hit. CNN’s geolocation of multiple videos indicated smoke rising from within the compound, though it’s unclear if Khamenei was directly affected.
Separate clips also depicted damage to Iran’s intelligence ministry complex, with smoke plumes visible across the city of approximately 10 million residents. While US and Israeli officials emphasized military objectives, the videos highlighted civilian areas caught in the crossfire, raising concerns about collateral damage.
Retaliation Across the Middle East
Iran swiftly responded, launching strikes across the Gulf and beyond. According to Nour News, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, ballistic missiles were directed at Israel. Meanwhile, multiple US military installations in the region became targets, including bases in Jordan, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and northern Iraq.
“We are aware of reports concerning civilian harm resulting from ongoing military operations. We take these reports seriously and are looking into them. The protection of civilians is of utmost importance, and we will continue to take all precautions available to minimize the risk of unintended harm.”
One striking video captured an Iranian Shahed drone hitting the radar dome of the US Navy’s base in Manama, Bahrain. This attack followed an earlier strike on the Fifth Fleet, underscoring Iran’s determination to retaliate. Additional footage showed similar drone strikes on commercial and residential sites in the Persian Gulf.
Disaster at a Girls’ School
The most severe civilian toll came from a strike on a girls’ school in Minab, southern Iran. State media reported at least 85 students were killed at the Shajaba Tayyiba School, with Red Crescent citing a higher count of 108. The school was previously linked to a nearby military base but has since been separated, according to satellite imagery from Airbus.
Another video, geolocated by CNN, depicted fires erupting near the school. This incident underscores the extent of the strikes’ reach, as they targeted both military and civilian zones. The sequence of events has sparked debates over the precision of the operation and its humanitarian consequences.
