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A confidential CIA analysis delivered to U.S. administration policymakers this week concluded that Iran can withstand the U.S. naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz for at least three to four months before facing more severe economic hardship, The Washington Post reported.
The report, citing four people familiar with the document, said the assessment appeared to raise new questions about U.S. President Donald Trump’s optimism on ending the war.
The analysis also found that Iran retains a substantial missile and drone arsenal despite U.S. and Israeli bombardment.
The CIA analysis said Tehran still maintains “significant ballistic missile capabilities” despite the bombardment campaign.
The report also cited a U.S. official as saying Iran still has about 75% of its mobile launchers and around 70% of its missile stockpiles.
According to the official, Iran preserved “almost all” of its underground storage facilities and has been able to repair some damaged missiles.
The confidential intelligence community assessment was delivered to the White House this week, the report said.
Trump said at a White House news conference Wednesday that most of Iran’s missiles had been destroyed.
“Most of their missiles were destroyed, probably 18, 19% are left, but very little compared to before,” Trump said.
Trump also described the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz as “almost like a steel wall.”
A day earlier, he claimed Iran’s economy was moving toward “collapse,” its currency was “worthless” and its soldiers could not be paid.
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