Satellite Images Show Iran’s Largest Naval Vessel IRINS Makran Smoking At Bandar Abbas

Satellite imagery captured on Monday shows Iran’s largest naval vessel, IRINS Makran, emitting heavy smoke while docked at the military harbor of Bandar Abbas, near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The images, taken by US commercial satellite firm Planet Labs PBC, indicate possible damage to the tanker-turned-forward base ship amid escalating US military operations targeting Iranian naval assets.

Analysts reviewing the satellite imagery identified the vessel as the Makran, Iran’s biggest warship by displacement. A large plume of smoke is visible rising from the vessel while it sits in harbor.

US Central Command (United States Central Command) said Monday that American forces had destroyed 11 Iranian ships operating in the Gulf of Oman. It remains unclear whether the Makran is included in that count.

Separate commercial imagery captured Sunday by spatial intelligence firm Vantor reportedly showed destroyed and sinking vessels at Iran’s naval base in Konarak, along with structural damage to nearby military facilities.

Iran converted the Makran from a commercial oil tanker into a forward base ship in 2020. The vessel was formally commissioned into the navy in 2021.

Although the Makran is not a traditional surface combatant, it serves as an auxiliary support platform. It is capable of carrying roughly a dozen helicopters. Its expansive deck can also accommodate missile launchers, rocket artillery systems, and vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drones.

The ship has undertaken multiple long-distance deployments, including a voyage around the world. It has helped Iran operate farther from its coastline.

The Makran is part of Iran’s plan to convert civilian ships into military platforms. In recent years, Iran has also turned container ships into drone carriers.

US Central Command confirmed it struck one such vessel, the Shahid Bagheri, during the opening phase of operations. Its current status remains unknown.

General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the first US strikes targeted Iran’s navy, command centers, intelligence systems, and ballistic missile sites.

Additional satellite imagery reportedly shows damage at drone bases, airfields, missile installations, radar systems, and official military compounds.

Bandar Abbas is located near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes. A large share of global crude shipments passes through this narrow waterway every day.

Any military activity in this area raises concerns about tanker safety, higher insurance costs, rising freight rates, and regional security.

References: AOL, Ny Times