Iran could have up to 2,000 ballistic missiles in weeks, Israel warns

Israeli officials have consistently argued that Tehran’s missile capabilities must be addressed alongside its nuclear program.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Israeli officials said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will arrive in Washington carrying new intelligence assessments warning that Iran could rapidly rebuild its ballistic missile arsenal, as the US and Iran prepare for a second round of talks following initial negotiations in Oman last week.

“Israel is worried about Iran’s progress in restoring its ballistic missile stockpiles and capabilities to its status before the 12-day war,” an Israeli source told CNN ahead of the meeting with President Donald Trump, adding that Israeli estimates suggest Iran could possess between 1,800 and 2,000 ballistic missiles within weeks or months if no action is taken.

Netanyahu is expected to present Trump with updated intelligence on Iran’s military recovery, with a particular focus on its missile program. Before departing, he made clear that the Iranian issue would take precedence during the visit.

“On this trip, we will discuss a series of issues: Gaza, the region, but first and foremost, the negotiations with Iran,” Netanyahu said as he boarded his aircraft. “I will present the president with our views regarding the essential principles of the negotiations – principles that, in our eyes, are vital not only for Israel but for anyone in the world who desires peace and security in the Middle East.”

The meeting will be the seventh between the two leaders since the start of Trump’s second term.

The renewed diplomatic track follows last Friday’s talks in Oman. Iran has insisted discussions remain limited to the nuclear issue, while the US initially sought to widen the agenda to include ballistic missile development and human rights concerns.

Israeli officials have consistently argued that Tehran’s missile capabilities must be addressed alongside its nuclear program.

In recent weeks, senior Israeli and American officials have held multiple consultations focused on Iran. Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and Intelligence Division head Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder visited the Pentagon last month. Last week in Jerusalem, presidential envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Netanyahu and senior security officials.

According to Israeli officials, Netanyahu will also stress the importance of preserving Israel’s operational freedom to act against Iran, even if Washington and Tehran ultimately reach an agreement.