Iran retains significant missile capabilities despite US strikes, intelligence finds
Around half of Iran's missile launch systems remain operational and the country still possesses thousands of attack drones
WASHINGTON, United States (MNTV) – Around half of Iran’s missile launch systems remain operational and the country still possesses thousands of attack drones despite weeks of sustained U.S. and Israeli strikes, according to U.S. intelligence assessments cited by CNN — a picture that stands in sharp contrast to the sweeping claims of military success made publicly by President Donald Trump.
Three sources familiar with the assessments said Iran retains a significant offensive capability.
“They are still very much poised to wreak absolute havoc throughout the entire region,” one source said. The estimates may also include launchers that are currently unusable, such as those buried underground by airstrikes but not fully destroyed.
The intelligence found that roughly half of Iran’s drone capacity — amounting to thousands of units — remains intact, and that many of its coastal defense cruise missiles have not been significantly degraded.
This aligns with the U.S. strategy of not prioritizing coastal military infrastructure in its air campaign, though some maritime targets have been struck. Those missiles are a crucial asset for Iran, enabling it to threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The assessment contrasts with Trump’s address on Wednesday evening, in which he said Iran’s capacity to deploy missiles and drones had been significantly reduced and that its weapons facilities and launch systems were being destroyed, “with very few remaining.” As of Wednesday, U.S. Central Command confirmed that American forces have struck more than 12,300 targets inside Iran since the start of Operation Epic Fury on February 28.
Sources acknowledged that U.S. and Israeli strikes have weakened Iran’s military capabilities and eliminated several top leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Ali Larijani, who headed Iran’s National Security Council.
Despite those losses, the intelligence indicates that Iran retains a substantial stockpile of missiles and significant remaining launch infrastructure.
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