Iran continues to retain a “significant” portion of its missile and drone capabilities despite weeks of US and Israeli strikes, CNN reported, citing recent US intelligence assessments.
The findings suggest that while Tehran’s military has been degraded, it remains far from neutralised.
Sources familiar with the intelligence told CNN that roughly half of Iran’s missile launchers remain intact.
Thousands of one-way attack drones are also still operational, allowing Iran to maintain the ability to carry out sustained attacks across the region.
Officials added, according to CNN, that some launch systems may have been buried underground or rendered inaccessible rather than destroyed, complicating efforts to accurately assess the damage.
The intelligence assessment contrasts with public remarks by US President Donald Trump, who has said Iran’s military has been “decimated” and its missile and drone capabilities “dramatically curtailed.”
However, US intelligence estimates cited by The Daily Star indicate a more nuanced picture.
Officials can confirm only about one-third of Iran’s missile arsenal has been destroyed, while others may be damaged or hidden in underground facilities.
Analysts say the discrepancy shows the difficulty of verifying battlefield outcomes, particularly given Iran’s reliance on tunnels and mobile launch platforms.
