Satellite imagery from Planet Labs (PL) shows the Darkhovin nuclear plant site had little construction before U.S. strikes. The conflict escalation raises stakes for defense and energy sectors.
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The U.S. military announced the death of another service member in Iraq on Saturday, killed during what it called a “controlled detonation” of a downed Iranian drone. The announcement came as the U.S. launched more airstrikes against Iran, widening a conflict that has already drawn in Jordan, Kuwait and Israel.
Satellite images from Planet Labs PBC (PL) of the Darkhovin nuclear plant site in southwestern Iran showed earth clearing but little construction as of July 9. Iran’s atomic energy agency said U.S. strikes targeted the construction site of a planned nuclear power plant there. The International Atomic Energy Agency said the site, in the “very early stages of construction,” contained no nuclear material when the U.N. watchdog last visited.
The U.S. military’s Central Command said it hit “Iranian military coastal surveillance and air defense facilities, maritime capabilities and missile and drone storage sites.” The strikes were designed to degrade Iran’s ability to control the Strait of Hormuz and “swiftly punish Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces,” according to the statement.
Iran fired missiles toward Jordan, which activated air defenses and shot down several, the country’s military said. Jordan later summoned Iran’s chargé d’affaires to protest, state-run television reported. Israel’s military warned that missiles launched toward the Jordanian port city of Aqaba could spill over, and the Israeli city of Eilat launched two interceptors to prevent falling debris.
Kuwait said one of its power and water desalination plants was attacked for the second time in two days, causing fires. The Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy said the power grid remains stable. In Kuwait, about 90% of drinking water comes from desalination.
Since the war began, 17 U.S. service members have been killed. One service member was missing after Friday’s attack on troops in Jordan, and the military said “unidentified remains” were found Sunday and are being examined.
The U.S. in the past week reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports to halt crude oil shipments. The military on Saturday said it had redirected five ships and disabled one since then. The threat to mariners is severe, with “deliberate hostile action considered highly likely,” a maritime organization overseen by the U.S. Navy said Sunday.
Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned of “unforgettable lessons” if the U.S. keeps attacking. An Iranian negotiator said Tehran was suspending its commitments to the interim deal and accused the U.S. of violating it. The halfway point has passed in the 60 days the deal set out to negotiate a permanent end to the war and other issues, including Iran’s nuclear program.
Planet Labs PBC (PL) is an unscored Industrials stock on the AlphaScala platform. The company’s satellite imagery provides independent verification of sites like Darkhovin, where IAEA inspections have limited access.
Far from the region, the war’s effects on fuel and other goods have hit some of the world’s most vulnerable areas hard.
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