Washington, May 13: Iran has retained nearly 70 percent of its prewar missile stockpile and continues to operate a substantial number of mobile missile launchers across the country, according to recent US intelligence assessments.
The findings reportedly contradict earlier statements by sections of the US leadership claiming that Tehran’s military capabilities had been severely degraded during the conflict.
According to the assessments, Iran has restored operational access to 30 of its 33 missile facilities located along the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Only three sites are said to remain completely inaccessible.
Military intelligence agencies, using satellite imagery and other surveillance technologies, have further assessed that nearly 90 percent of Iran’s underground missile storage and launch infrastructure nationwide is now either partially or fully operational.
The reports said Iran continues to maintain a mix of ballistic and cruise missiles in its arsenal. The ballistic missiles are capable of targeting countries across the region, while cruise missiles are primarily designed for shorter-range strikes against land and maritime targets.
Officials familiar with the assessments said Iran’s mobile launcher systems provide the military with flexibility to relocate missiles from underground facilities to alternate launch points. In some cases, missiles can reportedly be fired directly from launchpads integrated within the underground complexes.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically sensitive waterways, handling a significant portion of global oil shipments. Any enhancement in Iran’s missile readiness in the region is likely to heighten security concerns among Gulf nations and Western allies.
The intelligence findings emerge amid continued tensions in West Asia and growing concerns over the potential for wider regional escalation.
