Newsletters
Iran retains an estimated 1,500 to 2,500 missiles despite months of U.S. and Israeli strikes targeting its military infrastructure, The Wall Street Journal reported Saturday, citing U.S. intelligence assessments.
The findings indicate Tehran maintains a substantial missile arsenal capable of threatening U.S. forces and regional allies if fighting resumes, contradicting claims by President Donald Trump and other administration officials that Iran's military capabilities have been largely destroyed.
U.S. officials described the assessment as having a low level of confidence because of difficulties determining how many missiles are ready for launch and how many remain in storage.
Despite damage to its missile-production facilities, Iran has continued rebuilding its arsenal, primarily using stockpiled components, although production remains slower than before the war, according to the report.
Tehran also retains significant numbers of drones and short-range missiles. Israeli military officials estimate that Iran possesses more than 1,500 ballistic missiles, although regional assessments vary.
Simone Ledeen, a former U.S. deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East, said even the lower estimate would indicate Iran had replenished more than half of its prewar missile stockpile.
The Journal previously reported that Iran had regained access to some underground missile-storage facilities damaged by U.S. and Israeli strikes and resumed ballistic missile production using stockpiled components in September.
Iran has also improved its targeting capabilities and military tactics, including through assistance from Russia and the combined use of missiles and drones, according to the report.
Iranian attacks have damaged U.S. military installations, radar systems and early-warning infrastructure across the Middle East, prompting the relocation of numerous American military assets to Israel, U.S. and Israeli officials said.
Destroying Iran's ballistic missile capabilities was a central objective of the U.S. and Israeli military campaign, with both countries declaring success following their strikes.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Tuesday that Iran's defense-industrial base had been eliminated, along with more than 80% of its nuclear-industrial infrastructure.
"By every measure we achieved a historic military victory," Hegseth said.
However, Jim Lamson, a former CIA analyst specializing in Iran's military, said estimating Tehran's missile stockpile remains difficult because of secrecy surrounding its weapons production and uncertainty over missiles and components stored underground.
Iran's efforts to rebuild its arsenal have influenced discussions within the Trump administration over whether to resume strikes alongside Israel, according to U.S. officials cited by the Journal.
Trump has so far opted to maintain economic pressure through sanctions and a blockade rather than authorize another major military offensive.
Vice President JD Vance had opened diplomatic contact with an Iranian hard-liner during the pause in fighting, but Trump subsequently instructed him to end the effort.
During a Veterans Day address Wednesday, Trump said Washington was seeking a complete victory over Iran.
"We won," he said. "Now the question is when we want to end. We must have a total victory, not a 93% victory."
Gulf allies have urged Washington to avoid renewed fighting over concerns about Iranian missile and drone retaliation, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to push for further military operations.
Mossad Director Roman Gofman visited Washington on Friday for discussions with U.S. officials about Iran, according to the report.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
