Satellite imagery shows that many underground entrances at Iran's western Dezful missile base have reopened following airstrikes by the U.S. and Israel [1].
The findings suggest that the bombing campaign had a limited impact on Iran's underground missile storage. If these facilities remain operational, the missiles stored within them may remain viable for use.
According to analysis from CNN, 50 of the 69 total underground entrances at the base are now open [1]. Specifically, on Feb. 28, four of five entrances that had been closed were reopened [1]. This date is noted as the day the war began [1].
The ability of the base to quickly recover from airstrikes contradicts previous assessments of the campaign's effectiveness. Donald Trump said that missiles were nearly exhausted or neutralized and that such measures would weaken Iran's military power, crush its ability to support terrorist proxies, and block its ability to manufacture nuclear bombs [1].
However, the satellite data indicates a high rate of recovery for the site's infrastructure. The persistence of these underground facilities presents a challenge for air campaigns attempting to neutralize long-range capabilities through surface-level strikes [1].
“50 of the 69 total underground entrances at the base are now open”
The reopening of the Dezful base entrances indicates a resilience in Iran's subterranean military infrastructure that may offset the tactical gains of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. By maintaining access to these hardened sites, Iran preserves its strategic deterrent and logistical capacity, suggesting that surface-level bombing is insufficient to permanently neutralize its missile arsenal.
