Classified US intelligence assessments obtained by The New York Times indicate that Iran has restored significant parts of its missile infrastructure, contradicting public statements by senior Trump administration officials describing the country’s military capabilities as severely degraded.
According to individuals familiar with the assessments compiled earlier this month, Iran has regained access to most of its missile sites, launchers, and underground facilities. The findings suggest that operational readiness has been largely restored across key strategic systems.
The assessments reportedly show that Iran has re-established operational access to 30 of its 33 missile sites located along the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint through which a substantial share of global oil shipments pass. The facilities are considered capable of posing potential risks to US naval vessels and commercial shipping in the region.
Sources familiar with the intelligence said the reports indicate Iranian forces can deploy mobile missile launchers from within these sites, relocate them to alternate positions, and in some cases launch directly from existing infrastructure. Only three sites along the Strait of Hormuz remain fully inaccessible, according to the assessments.
The intelligence further estimates that Iran retains around 70% of its mobile missile launchers nationwide, as well as approximately 70% of its pre-conflict missile stockpile, which includes both ballistic and shorter-range cruise missiles.
Military intelligence agencies also reportedly assess that Iran has regained access to roughly 90% of its underground missile storage and launch facilities across the country, many of which are now considered partially or fully operational based on satellite imagery and other surveillance data.
The findings appear to contrast with repeated public statements by US President Donald Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who have described Iran’s military as “decimated” and “no longer” a threat.
By Sabina Mammadli
