Iran Retains 70% of Missile Arsenal Despite US Strikes, CIA

A classified intelligence report from the Central Intelligence Agency has concluded that Iran has managed to retain approximately 70% of its ballistic missile arsenal, the same stockpile it held before the onset of the US-Israeli military campaign against it. The findings, detailed by the Washington Post based on three sources familiar with the document, indicate a high capacity within Iran to absorb the initial military shock and preserve its deterrent force.

One source told the newspaper: "Iran has retained about 75% of the mobile launch platforms it had before the war, and roughly 70% of its total missile inventory." The assessment challenges the narrative of decisive military victory promoted by American officials.

Underground Recovery and New Production

According to CIA analysts, Iranian efforts went beyond simply preserving existing stockpiles. Technical teams have reportedly accessed arsenals stored in underground facilities that were either damaged or buried by American missile strikes. The report adds that Tehran has succeeded in repairing a number of damaged missiles and has even activated new production lines to compensate for losses.

The Washington Post estimates that Iran’s pre-war arsenal contained approximately 2,500 ballistic missiles, in addition to thousands of "suicide" drones.

Contradicting Official US Claims

The intelligence assessment stands in stark contrast to public statements from the US administration. Last month, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth declared that American strikes had "exhausted and shattered" Iran's missile capabilities. However, intelligence evaluations suggest a key reason for the resilience of these platforms is Iran’s reliance on an extensive network of tunnels and caves built up over decades.