New imagery released by a Chinese commercial satellite company has revealed the destruction of an alleged Iranian drone factory during Israel’s two-week air campaign against Iran.
Newsweek has contacted the Iranian Foreign Ministry and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) for comment.
Why It Matters
Iran’s civilian-military infrastructure was targeted by a wave of Israeli airstrikes that began in the early hours of June 13 local time, with the attacks also targeting nuclear facilities in Tehran and in other cities.
Iran’s expanding drone program is central to its shift toward asymmetric warfare and regional deterrence. Tehran said it has accelerated the development and deployment of diverse drone facilities and systems. This growing capability has alarmed U.S. lawmakers.
What To Know
The undated satellite photograph published by China’s MizarVision on Wednesday showed a warehouse near Mehrabad Airport in western Tehran that had been completely leveled, although the exact date of the hit was unclear.
Open-source analyst Mehdi H., commenting on similar satellite imagery captured by Maxar on Tuesday, said the warehouse struck by the IDF had been used by the Iranian state-owned company Quds Aviation Industries to design and build unmanned aerial vehicles including its Mohajer drones. Newsweek could not independently verify the claim.
According to the BBC, images authenticated in the aftermath of Israeli airstrikes showed that Mehrabad Airport had been struck several times, with satellite imagery revealing several damaged buildings around the area, including warehouses linked to Iran’s defense industry.
During its military offensive, the IDF said it had destroyed F-14 jets in central Iran and targeted military sites.
What People Are Saying
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in his first statement since the ceasefire: “Anyone expecting Iran to surrender to another country is making a foolish and absurd claim that will certainly be ridiculed by wise and knowledgeable people. The Iranian nation is dear and will remain dear; it is victorious and will remain victorious, by God’s grace.”
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said: “The reality is…this was a historically successful attack we should celebrate as Americans, and it gives us a chance to have peace, chance to have a deal, and opportunity to prevent a nuclear Iran, which is something President Trump talked about for 20 years.”
What Happens Next
The current ceasefire between Israel and Iran is holding, for now. Whether Iran is willing to reenter nuclear negotiations with the United States is another question.
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