[57920] Iranian War-Footing Preparedness: Air Shelters in Pakistan and Control of the Strait of Hormuz

Regional Tension: Iranian-Pakistani Cooperation and Shifts in the Maritime Balance of Power

According to aggregated reports from Amir Tsarfati and Middle East Spectator — MES, satellite imagery confirms that Iran has transferred its Air Force aircraft, including Boeing 747 transport aircraft, KC-707 ELINT aircraft, and C-130 aircraft, to Pakistani territory. According to Amir Tsarfati, the move is intended to protect these assets from Israeli strikes during the "12-Day War" in June. Conversely, Middle East Spectator — MES, which often presents a line identified with pro-Iranian narratives, claims that this is known information and is not "new or unusual."

On the military front, Middle East Spectator — MES reports that an underground missile base near Isfahan was struck approximately 20 times during the war using guided munitions and bunker-busting bombs. Despite the intensity of the fire, the source claims that "the base never ceased operations for more than half a day," and that local residents reported seeing smoke alongside the continued launching of missiles from the area.

On the energy and geopolitical level, WarFront Witness reports that Iran has succeeded in reaching energy transit agreements with Iraq and Pakistan for oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) through Egypt. Experts cited in the report warn that Iran is transitioning from total blockade attempts to "selective control" of the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, Rerum Novarum reports that due to an oil spill at Kharg Island and a naval blockade by the U.S. Navy, Iran has been unable to export crude oil by sea for the last 28 days.

Official statements from the Deputy Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Haji Babai, as published in Investing & Financial, claim that Iran has established "full control" over the Strait of Hormuz, a position that establishes it as a major regional power. It should be noted that sources such as WarFront Witness present a position critical of Iranian influence and emphasize international concern regarding Tehran's moves.