Iran retains strong missile capacity despite US claims of military destruction — report

US intelligence says Iran still has strong missile capabilities despite claims its military was destroyed. Reports indicate Iran has restored access to most missile sites, retains about 70% of its missile stockpile, and many underground facilities are still operational. Tensions rose after US and Israeli strikes in February, followed by retaliation and Gulf disruptions. A ceasefire was reached in April, but lasting peace talks have not yet succeeded, and diplomacy is still ongoing.

Classified United States intelligence assessments suggest that Iran continues to maintain substantial missile capabilities, despite repeated assertions by the Trump administration that Tehran’s military infrastructure had been “shattered,” according to a report by a US media outlet.
The New York Times reported that intelligence findings compiled in early May indicate Iran has restored operational access to the majority of its missile facilities. This includes about 30 out of 33 missile sites located along the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route.
Citing individuals familiar with the classified assessments, the newspaper further reported that Iran is believed to still hold approximately 70% of its missile stockpile from before the conflict, along with a large number of mobile missile launchers that enhance its ability to reposition and deploy weapons quickly.
The intelligence review also concluded that nearly 90% of Iran’s underground missile storage systems and launch installations across the country are currently either partially operational or fully functional, suggesting a significant level of recovery and resilience in Iran’s military infrastructure.
In response to the report, White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales was quoted as saying that Iran’s leadership is aware that its “current reality is not sustainable.” She also stated that anyone who believes Iran has successfully rebuilt or reconstituted its military capacity is either “delusional” or acting as a “mouthpiece” for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Tensions in the region have intensified since military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel on February 28 targeted Iranian positions, prompting retaliatory actions by Tehran against Israel, as well as against US allies in the Gulf region. The escalation also contributed to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, including its temporary closure during the peak of hostilities.
A two-week ceasefire was later established on April 8 following mediation efforts led by Pakistan. However, subsequent diplomatic discussions held in Islamabad did not result in a lasting peace agreement between the involved parties.
The ceasefire arrangement was later extended indefinitely by President Trump. Since that time, Pakistani officials have continued diplomatic efforts aimed at reviving stalled negotiations and encouraging both sides to return to the table.
President Trump, meanwhile, rejected Iran’s most recent response to a United States proposal intended to permanently end the conflict, describing it as “totally unacceptable.”