U.S. officials have told The Wall Street Journal that intelligence assessments indicate Iran still possesses thousands of ballistic missiles and retains the ability to reactivate parts of its launch capacity from underground facilities. According to the report, some U.S. officials are concerned that Tehran could use the current ceasefire period to rebuild elements of its missile capabilities. Officials said more than half of Iran’s missile launchers were damaged or put out of operation during recent hostilities. However, some of these systems are believed to be repairable or can be restored from underground sites. Despite a reduction in missile and drone stockpiles, Iran is assessed to still hold thousands of short- and medium-range missiles, preserving part of its strike capability. Israeli officials also told the newspaper that roughly two-thirds of Iran’s launch platforms have been disabled, though some could be reactivated from underground facilities. The assessments suggest Iran continues to maintain more than 1,000 medium-range missiles and retains a limited launch capability, although the rate of fire declined during the conflict. Recent fighting between Iran, Israel and the United States has paused following a two-week ceasefire, with talks between U.S. and Iranian delegations expected to take place in Islamabad.
