Iran still has thousands of ballistic missiles, can retrieve launchers stored underground

US officials are concerned Iran could use the current ceasefire period to rebuild parts of its ballistic missile arsenal.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

US intelligence indicates Iran still maintains a substantial missile capability despite recent strikes, with thousands of weapons and surviving launch systems preserved in underground facilities, according to reports.

The Wall Street Journal reported that while US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran’s arsenal has been “depleted and decimated,” officials assess that a significant portion remains intact.

About 50% of Iran’s launchers have been rendered inoperable, but many of those systems could be repaired and returned to use.

The same report said US officials are concerned Iran could use the current ceasefire period to rebuild parts of its ballistic missile arsenal.

Although Iran’s drone capabilities have been heavily degraded, it continues to hold a notable number of cruise missiles.

Iran retains thousands of ballistic missiles stored in underground sites described as “missile cities,” allowing it to sustain operations even after strikes on production infrastructure. Roughly half of Iran’s launchers remain available.

The joint US-Israeli campaign has significantly reduced Iran’s production capacity, with solid rocket motor output cut by about 80%. Despite that, Iran has continued launching missiles, shifting to deeper and more concealed launch locations.

The IDF has targeted some of the remaining petrochemical facilities used to manufacture missile components as part of ongoing efforts to limit Iran’s ability to replenish its arsenal.

Officials describe the situation as ongoing, with further strikes aimed at weakening Iran’s missile capabilities while monitoring whether Tehran attempts to restore its stockpiles during the ceasefire period.

A temporary two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran is under discussion as part of ongoing negotiations in Islamabad, with both sides seeking to stabilize fighting while addressing broader disputes over sanctions, nuclear activity, and regional security, though major disagreements continue to complicate prospects for a lasting agreement.