Newsletters
Iran still possesses substantial missile and drone capabilities despite weeks of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes, with around half of its missile launch systems remaining operational, according to recent U.S. intelligence assessments cited by CNN.
The assessments indicate that Iran continues to maintain significant offensive capacity, including thousands of one-way attack drones and a large stockpile of missiles, even after sustained attacks targeting military infrastructure since Feb. 28.
Three sources familiar with the intelligence findings said Iran remains capable of carrying out major operations across the region. “They are still very much poised to wreak absolute havoc throughout the entire region,” one source said.
According to the intelligence, roughly half of Iran’s missile launch systems are still functional, although some may currently be unusable due to being buried underground by airstrikes rather than fully destroyed.
The findings also show that about half of Iran’s drone capacity, amounting to thousands of units, remains intact.
In addition, many of Iran’s coastal defense cruise missiles have not been significantly degraded. These systems are considered a key component of Iran’s military capabilities, particularly for threatening maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
The report noted that the U.S. air campaign strategy did not prioritize coastal military infrastructure, even though some maritime targets have been struck.
The intelligence assessments present a more measured picture of Iran’s remaining military strength compared to public statements by U.S. President Donald Trump.
In a Wednesday address, Trump said Iran’s ability to deploy missiles and drones had been significantly reduced and that its weapons facilities and launch systems were being destroyed, with very few remaining.
However, the intelligence cited by CNN suggests that Iran continues to retain a substantial stockpile of missiles along with operational launch infrastructure.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that American forces have struck more than 12,300 targets inside Iran since the start of Operation Epic Fury on Feb. 28.
Sources said the strikes have weakened Iran’s military capabilities and eliminated several senior figures, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and Ali Larijani, who headed Iran’s National Security Council.
Despite these losses, the assessments indicate that Iran still maintains significant military capacity, including missile systems and drones capable of sustaining operations.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
