OMM Newsroom
Iran retains an estimated 1,500 to 2,500 missiles despite months of US and Israeli strikes on its weapons infrastructure, according to a report by “The Wall Street Journal” cited by Anadolu Agency.
The assessment challenges US President Donald Trump’s claims that Tehran’s military capabilities have been largely destroyed. US officials told the newspaper that Iran still has a substantial missile arsenal capable of threatening US and allied targets if fighting resumes.
Officials said the estimate carries a low level of confidence, largely because it is difficult to determine how many missiles are ready to launch and how many remain in storage.
Iran’s rebuilding efforts have progressed more slowly than before the war, the report said. Tehran also retains significant numbers of drones and short-range missiles, giving it further capacity to strike targets across the region.
Israeli military officials estimate that Iran has more than 1,500 ballistic missiles, although assessments in the region differ, according to the report.
Simone Ledeen, a former US deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East, said even the lower estimate would indicate that Iran had restored more than half of its prewar missile arsenal.
Iranian missile and drone attacks have continued to expose vulnerabilities in US military installations, radar systems and early-warning infrastructure across the Middle East, the report said.
Washington has so far chosen to maintain economic pressure on Tehran through sanctions and a blockade rather than launch another major military offensive.
Gulf allies have warned against renewed fighting, citing fears of retaliatory Iranian strikes, while Israel continues to push for further military action, the newspaper reported.
