Assessments Reveal Most Strategic Missile Facilities Operational Again
Classified US intelligence assessments indicate Iran still maintains substantial missile capabilities despite repeated claims by the Trump administration that Tehran’s military infrastructure had been severely weakened.
According to a report by The New York Times, intelligence findings compiled in early May concluded that Iran had restored operational access to most of its missile facilities, including 30 of the 33 strategic missile sites located along the Strait of Hormuz.
The report, citing officials familiar with the assessments, stated that Iran continues to possess nearly 70% of its prewar missile inventory and mobile launcher systems. Additionally, analysts found that almost 90% of Iran’s underground missile storage and launch facilities nationwide are now either partially or fully operational.
The findings appeared to contradict earlier statements from US officials who argued that repeated American and Israeli strikes had shattered Iran’s military capabilities during the conflict that erupted in late February.
Meanwhile, the White House strongly rejected suggestions that Iran had rebuilt its military strength.
Washington and Tehran Remain Locked in Diplomatic Deadlock
White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales stated that Iran’s leadership understands its “current reality is not sustainable.” She further claimed that anyone suggesting Tehran had successfully reconstituted its military was either “delusional” or supporting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.
Regional tensions have remained high since the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28. In response, Tehran targeted Israel and several US allies across the Gulf while also tightening control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Although Pakistan brokered a temporary two-week ceasefire that began on April 8, negotiations in Islamabad later failed to secure a permanent settlement between Washington and Tehran.
President Donald Trump subsequently extended the ceasefire indefinitely. However, diplomatic progress remained limited after Trump dismissed Iran’s latest response to a US peace proposal as “totally unacceptable.”
