Iran has restored access to 30 missile bases along the Strait of Hormuz following massive US strikes
According to classified assessments compiled earlier this month, Iran has regained operational access to 30 of the 33 missile sites along the Strait of Hormuz.
According to NY Times sources familiar with the documents, only three sites remain completely inaccessible. The Iranian military can use mobile launchers within the complexes to move missiles to other locations and, in some cases, launch missiles directly from the launch pads.
Intelligence also believes that Iran has retained around 70% of its mobile launchers and approximately 70% of its pre-war missile arsenal. This includes ballistic missiles and a smaller number of cruise missiles.
According to US military intelligence, Iran has also regained access to approximately 90% of its underground missile silos and launch complexes across the country. These facilities are currently assessed as being ‘partially or fully operational’.
The intelligence findings contradict previous statements by Donald Trump and US Defence Secretary Pete Hagset, who claimed that the Iranian army had been ‘destroyed’ and had lost its combat capability.
On 9 March, Donald Trump told CBS News that Iranian missiles were “scattered” and that the country itself “has nothing in military terms”. On 8 April, Pete Hagseth stated during a press conference at the Pentagon that Operation ‘Epic Fury’ had ‘destroyed the Iranian army and rendered it incapable of fighting for years’.
White House spokeswoman Olivia Vales, in response to a question about intelligence assessments, echoed Trump’s claims that the Iranian army had been “crushed”. She also stated that those who believe Iran has restored its military capabilities are “either out of touch with reality or spokespeople” for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Acting Pentagon spokesperson Joel Valdez criticised reports on the outcome of the war and stated that Operation “Epic Fury” was a “historic achievement”.
According to intelligence assessments, the Trump administration may have overestimated the extent of the damage caused by US strikes to Iranian missile sites, whilst underestimating Iran’s ability to rebuild its military infrastructure.
The US expended a significant amount of ammunition during the hostilities. According to The New York Times, the US military used around 1,100 long-range cruise missiles and over 1,000 Tomahawk missiles. More than 1,300 Patriot interceptor missiles were also deployed.
It is noted that replenishing stocks could take years. Lockheed Martin currently produces around 650 Patriot interceptors per year and plans to increase production to 2,000 units annually.
The Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Kene, stated during a congressional hearing that the United States has sufficient ammunition to carry out its current missions.
