Iran retains 70% of its ballistic missiles, rebuilding quickly: report

Israel raises the alarm as limits on Iran’s ballistic missile program vanish from talks.

By World Israel News Staff

The Islamic Republic still retains access to a significant portion of its missile arsenal and launch infrastructure following nearly six weeks of intense bombing during the war with the United States and Israel and may be able to rebuild its capabilities quickly, according to new reports.

Citing American intelligence officials, The New York Times reported that Iran still possesses roughly 70% of its pre-war missile stockpile following the outbreak of Operation Epic Fury in late February. In addition, Tehran is believed to retain access to about 60 percent of its missile launchers, preserving a substantial portion of its operational capacity.

Iran’s drone program is believed to have taken heavier losses, with only about 40% of its pre-war stock remaining. However, analysts have warned that this arsenal is likely sufficient to disrupt maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as posing a threat to neighboring countries.

At the time the ceasefire was established in early April, Iran had access to only about half of its missiles and launchers, the report noted.

Since then, however, Iranian forces have been working to recover and excavate weapons systems buried under rubble from airstrikes, as well as those stored in underground facilities. These recovery efforts likely account for the increase in accessible missile and launcher stockpiles to their current estimated levels.

Speaking to Army Radio on Monday, Israeli security officials indicated that Iran’s ballistic missile program is no longer a central issue in ongoing negotiations. That omission could allow Tehran to rebuild its capabilities without restriction during the ceasefire period.

“The missile issue is currently not on the negotiating table. That is troubling,” a senior Israeli army official said.

The ceasefire, which is set to expire Tuesday, reportedly does not include conditions limiting Iran’s missile development as part of a broader agreement with Washington. This has fueled concern among Israeli officials that any long-term deal could leave one of Iran’s most threatening capabilities intact.