WASHINGTON —Iran is estimated to retain between 1,500 and 2,500 missiles despite months of US and Israeli strikes targeting its weapons infrastructure, according to US intelligence assessments cited by The Wall Street Journal on Sunday.
The findings suggest Tehran retains substantial military capabilities that could threaten American forces and regional allies if fighting resumes, contradicting US President Donald Trump’s claims that Iran’s military capabilities have been largely destroyed.
However, US officials cautioned that the assessment carries a low level of confidence, citing difficulties in determining how many missiles are ready for launch and how many remain in storage.
Despite continued efforts to rebuild its missile arsenal, Iran’s recovery has reportedly progressed more slowly than before the war.
The country also retains significant numbers of drones and short-range missiles, further contributing to its ability to strike targets across the region.
Israeli military officials have separately estimated that Iran possesses more than 1,500 ballistic missiles, although assessments of Tehran’s remaining arsenal vary.
Simone Ledeen, a former US deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East, said even the lower estimate of 1,500 missiles would suggest Iran had restored more than half of its prewar missile stockpile.
The report also highlighted the continued vulnerability of US military installations, radar systems and early-warning infrastructure across the Middle East to Iranian missile and drone attacks.
Washington has so far favored maintaining economic pressure on Tehran through sanctions and a blockade rather than launching another major military offensive.
Meanwhile, Gulf allies have warned against renewed fighting over fears of retaliatory Iranian strikes, while Israel continues to push for further military action, according to the report.
Source: Saudi Gazette