Karaj Missile Factory Attack: US strikes Iran’s Karaj surface-to-surface missile factory; satellite images show before and after impact

Satellite images released with the statement showed that buildings visible on March 1, including the Karaj factory’s long conference hall and support buildings, had been reduced to rubble by March 11, with several buildings completely collapsed.

The extent of the damage indicates the facility is no longer operational. The attack appeared to be clearly targeted, with no apparent impact beyond the scene in the available frames.

The development comes amid a broader U.S. campaign against Iran that includes counterproliferation strikes, maritime security operations, cyber and electronic warfare efforts, and coordination with allies to reduce Iran’s combat capabilities. As part of these operations, the United States also deployed B-1 bombers using 5,000 pounds of munitions to target threats to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.The strategic waterway, which transports about 20% of the world’s oil, is affected by ongoing conflicts. Several countries, including the UK, France, the Netherlands, Italy and Japan, have expressed their willingness to support efforts aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation in the region.Military assessments based on publicly available data show that Iran’s missile launch capabilities have declined significantly since the end of February. Gulf News reported that a cumulative total of about 1,100 to 1,700 missiles was estimated to have been launched, with an initial surge of more than 400 on the first day, followed by an 86-94% drop by early March to lower daily launches. Analysts said the reduction was indicative of a “harassment-level” capability, with sporadic missile launches likely limited by a reduction in the number of operational launchers and reduced production capacity. Continued U.S. and Israeli air operations are believed to have contributed to the decline.However, risks remain. Iran is believed to maintain a dispersed network of facilities and capabilities, including proxy forces and cyber tools, that could be used for a response below the level of conventional warfare.Meanwhile, Israel launched new attacks on Tehran early on Friday after Iran launched missiles overnight. The Israeli military said its forces “began a wave of attacks on the Iranian terror regime’s infrastructure across Tehran,” AFP reported, without providing further details.Officials cautioned that the assessments were based on publicly available information and could be affected by the “fog of war,” meaning actual numbers could differ. Nonetheless, current trends suggest that Iran’s missile capabilities will continue to decline unless hostilities are suspended.