WASHINGTON: The New York Times has reported that classified assessments by US intelligence agencies indicate Iran has preserved much of its missile capability despite recent American strikes.
According to the report, the findings contradict claims by the administration of US President Donald Trump that US attacks had severely degraded Iran’s military strength.
The report states that Iran has regained access to 30 of its 33 missile bases located near the Strait of Hormuz, potentially restoring threats to US naval vessels and oil tankers transiting the vital shipping route.
Despite damage to some facilities, intelligence sources said Iran retains the ability to move missiles using mobile launchers, while certain bases remain capable of launching missiles directly. Only three missile bases are believed to be fully inoperable.
US intelligence assessments further suggest that Iran still possesses around 70 percent of its pre-war mobile missile launchers and missile stockpiles, including both ballistic and cruise missiles.
Based on satellite imagery and other surveillance data, analysts estimate that Iran has also regained access to nearly 90 percent of its underground missile storage sites and launch facilities, many of which remain partially or fully operational.
The report indicates that US officials may have overestimated the damage inflicted on Iran’s missile infrastructure and underestimated Tehran’s ability to restore and redeploy strategic assets quickly.
