Satellite photos show that an Israeli strike likely hit a key Iranian Revolutionary Guards missile base

Iran has always denied having nuclear weapons and says its space program, like its nuclear activities, has purely civilian purposes. However, US intelligence agencies and the IAEA say Iran had an organized military nuclear program until 2003. Parchin, one of two military bases near Tehran targeted by Israel, saw a building linked to that program destroyed.

“Just like with Iran’s nuclear program, you don’t build the system yourself, you build all the technology under cover of a civilian program,” Hinz said.

Iran could then make the decision to pursue the weapon – or use its knowledge as a bargaining chip with the West over international sanctions.

But for now, the satellite photos suggest Iran is still trying to assess the aftermath of Israel’s attack.

“The picture that emerges is one of significant damage to Iranian air defenses and missile launch facilities, both of which would be intended to demonstrate to the Iranians that they are vulnerable to further attacks if they attempt retaliation,” according to a published analysis. Two experts from the British Royal United Services Institute said this on Monday.