Broadcaster claims that around half of the Persian country’s launchers remain active, despite US bombings
Recent United States intelligence assessment indicates that Iran still preserves a relevant portion of its military capacity, despite changes in the last 5 weeks. According to , around half of the country’s missile launchers remain intact, while thousands of attack drones remain available in Iran’s arsenal.
Sources interviewed by the broadcaster claim that the situation on the ground is more complex than public statements suggest. “They are still very well positioned to cause devastation throughout the region”said one of these sources. Some of the equipment accounted for may be temporarily inaccessible, such as systems buried by attacks but not destroyed.
The same assessments indicate that 50% of Iran’s drone capacity remains active. Furthermore, a significant portion of coastal cruise missiles — essential for threatening maritime traffic in the country — were not hit, as the air campaign prioritized other military targets.
The data contrasts with statements by the President of the United States, (Republican Party), who said that Iran’s ability to launch missiles and drones was “drastically reduced” and what would remain “few” launchers. Even so, CENTCOM (North American Central Command) reported having hit more than 12,300 targets on Iranian territory since the start of the offensive.
Members of the North American government reinforce this more optimistic reading. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said Iranian attacks were down 90%: “The regime is being militarily decimated and its situation is getting worse every day”. According to her, the only way out for Tehran would be to negotiate and abandon its nuclear program.
The Pentagon also maintains that there has been a sharp reduction in Iranian offensive capacity. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said ballistic missile and drone attacks have dropped by up to 90%. Spokesman Sean Parnell disputed the report CNN and said that American forces have already inflicted “devastating blows” to Iran.
Even so, intelligence sources consider it unlikely to close the operation. “You are out of touch with reality if you think this will be over in two weeks.”said one of them.
One of the main challenges is Iran’s underground structure. The country has maintained networks of tunnels and caves used to hide launchers and equipment for decades, making them difficult to locate. Mobile platforms are also quickly moved after shots are fired, complicating tracking.
Despite the losses, Iranian forces and regional allies continue to carry out regular missile and drone attacks against Israel, Gulf countries and US troops. The predominant assessment among analysts is that, although weakened, Iran still maintains relevant deterrence and attack capabilities, while the Americans intensify attacks over the next 3 weeks.
