Satellite imagery released on Monday depicts fires and extensive black smoke plumes emanating from Iran’s primary naval headquarters in Bandar Abbas, where at least one ship was on fire after an attack.

The images, sourced from , were published just days after the U.S. and Israel initiated targeted strikes against Iran, and prior to President stating he would consider deploying U.S. forces into Iran if “necessary” during Operation Epic Fury.

This escalation coincides with a virtual halt of commercial tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by maritime intelligence firm .

A commander from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) also declared the Strait of Hormuz closed on Monday, with Iran vowing to set aflame any ship attempting passage, according to the .

Citing CENTCOM, National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin verified that the Strait of Hormuz is still open.

A high-ranking U.S. military official stated that Iran is not patrolling or enforcing its proclaimed “closure,” and no mines have been detected in the strait. Nevertheless, commercial ships are proceeding through the area with caution.

The official pointed out that Iran has previously announced intentions to close the strait, characterizing the action as a “pressure tactic” designed to incite fear. The official also mentioned that Tehran is improbable to mine the waterway, since approximately 80% of its oil exports are destined for China.

Bandar Abbas, the capital of Hormozgan Province, holds a strategic location on the Strait of Hormuz, and its port is a major base that functions as the headquarters of the .

Windward AI reported, “As of 10:56 a.m. GMT on March 2, 2026, the Port of Bandar Abbas is experiencing , including one on a docked vessel, while hosting a substantial combined military and commercial presence at its facilities.”

“Three separate fires are currently identified in the area. Two are at port infrastructure sites, and one is on a vessel that is berthed.”

The firm noted that seventeen military vessels and five commercial ships stayed docked in spite of the fires, adding that the persistent military presence indicates “a heightened defensive posture instead of an evacuation.”

Windward cautioned that ongoing fires at Iran’s main naval and commercial port create “additional operational uncertainty” and increase the potential for secondary disruptions to maritime activity throughout the Gulf.

Video footage also shared by seemed to show an assault on in Bandar Abbas.

An analysis of satellite imagery by spotted a damaged ship approximately 230 meters (750 feet) long—a length, it stated, that matches a Makran-class forward base ship used by the Iranian Navy.

The Makran, a converted tanker around 228 meters in length, also serves as a mobile sea base and helicopter carrier with the capacity to launch up to five helicopters and fast-attack boats.

The attack on Iran’s naval headquarters occurred on the third day of open hostilities, with U.S. Central Command reporting it had sunk 11 Iranian ships in the Gulf of Oman.

“Two days ago, the Iranian regime had 11 ships in the Gulf of Oman, today they have ZERO,” CENTCOM posted on X.

Trump has stated that “annihilating” Iran’s naval forces is a primary goal of Operation Epic Fury, and that the U.S. has eliminated nine Iranian naval ships to date.