US Intelligence Suggests Iran Retains Significant Missile Arsenal Despite Strikes

Washington D.C. -- Nearly a month after the US and Israel began strikes against Iran, a claim has surfaced suggesting that Washington was only able to definitively destroy about one-third of Iran's vast missile stockpile. According to Reuters, citing US intelligence sources, it is estimated that some of the remaining missiles may be buried in underground tunnels or bunkers or have sustained damage, though this has not been officially confirmed.

This figure indicates that Iran still possesses a large amount of war materiel, which it could potentially recover after the conflict ceases. This report significantly contrasts with the public statements made by President Donald Trump on Thursday, who claimed that Iran had very few rockets remaining. However, he acknowledged that even the small percentage of remaining missiles could be lethal to billion-dollar US vessels.

According to the Pentagon, Iranian missile and drone attacks have decreased by 90% since the war began, and their production capacity has been damaged by over 66%. The US Central Command stated that Operation Epic Fury is proceeding according to schedule. As of Wednesday, more than 10,000 military targets in Iran have been struck, and it is claimed that 92% of the large Iranian navy vessels have been sunk.

However, Iran continues to provide evidence that its arsenal is not depleted. Just on Thursday, Iran launched 15 ballistic missiles and 11 drones at the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Experts suggest that Iran may have deliberately withheld some weapons to preserve its military capability. Due to Iran's vast geography and deep underground tunnels, similar to those built by Hamas, it is difficult for the US to ascertain its true military strength.

According to Israeli officials, Iran possessed 2,500 ballistic missiles before the war, of which only 70% of the launchers have been destroyed. Iran recently demonstrated its new capabilities by launching a long-range missile at the US-UK military base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.