Recent U.S. intelligence reports show that half of Iran’s missile launchers are still operational. Despite heavy U.S. and Israeli airstrikes in recent weeks, thousands of drones remain in Iran’s arsenal, firmly positioning the country to potentially disrupt the region further.
One intelligence source noted, “They are still very much capable of causing significant issues throughout the entire region.” It’s important to realize that many launchers could be hidden underground, rendering them inaccessible but intact.
Estimates suggest about 50% of Iran’s drone capabilities and many coastal defense cruise missiles are still active. These coastal missiles are crucial for threatening shipping routes, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.
While U.S. officials have claimed significant military victories, the recent assessments tell a more complicated story. President Donald Trump recently stated that Iran’s ability to launch attacks is “dramatically curtailed.” However, those claims may overlook the remaining capabilities.
According to the latest figures from U.S. Central Command, over 12,300 targets in Iran have been hit, with crucial leaders, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, reportedly neutralized. Yet, intelligence indicates that a substantial number of missiles are still operational.
The Pentagon has observed a decrease in missile launches from Iran, with a noted drop in attacks—down 90% since the conflict began. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth highlighted the significant reduction in these threats.
Critics have pointed out, however, that the numbers provided may not reflect the full picture, as missiles hidden underground or in tunnels complicate assessments. Iran has spent years preparing for potential conflicts by concealing its assets in tunnel networks, making them challenging to target.
Annika Ganzeveld, an expert from the American Enterprise Institute, emphasized, “The U.S. has been targeting entrances to these underground facilities to disrupt access.” Despite the U.S. military’s advances, there are major hurdles ahead, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil shipping.
While the Iranian Navy has suffered significant losses, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) retains many operational vessels, including a considerable fleet of small attack boats. The U.S. military has reported the destruction of over 155 Iranian vessels, but there is confusion about which navy’s operations are being referenced.
In recent days, Iran has showcased its ability to target shipping in the Strait, indicating that while the situation has deteriorated for them, they still possess essential capabilities that need monitoring. Destroying these remaining assets will be a challenge as the conflict evolves.
