Wall Street Journal: Iran Resumes Underground Production of Ballistic Missiles

The "Wall Street Journal" revealed on Friday estimates by analysts indicating that Iran possesses a stockpile ranging from hundreds to thousands of ballistic missiles following the resumption of manufacturing operations.

American and regional officials told the newspaper they believe Iran has resumed production of these missiles in "limited" numbers, utilizing stored components and underground facilities.

The newspaper noted that escalating tensions in any new confrontation would make Iranian infrastructure vulnerable to attacks, at a time when the Iranian economy is in a very fragile state.

Iran's missile arsenal and launch platforms suffered severe damage due to American and Israeli attacks early in the conflict.

The US Department of War stated in September that America destroyed approximately 90% of Iran's industrial base dedicated to drones, ballistic missiles, and naval capabilities, limiting Tehran's ability to sustain prolonged exchanges of strikes.

Amid stalled negotiations aimed at ending the war for months, President Trump warned that the United States might launch an attack on Iran after the US midterm elections on November 3.

For their part, the American and Israeli armies are preparing a range of options to carry out military strikes.

In this context, the United States is sending a third carrier strike group, along with a Marine reconnaissance unit, to the Middle East region.

The newspaper pointed out that in addition to bringing more forces and munitions, Washington is working to move more of its military personnel and diplomatic staff away from danger zones.

The US military relocated some troops from its bases in the region amid threats issued by Iran and its Houthi militia allies against countries in the area.

People familiar with the threats told the newspaper that Iranians threatened to target American personnel "more ferociously," including attempts to sink US warships in the Middle East and kill their crews.

American officials are concerned about the possibility of Iran receiving assistance from Chinese entities, such as providing satellite imagery and support in tracking US warships. China, for its part, rejected what it described as malicious attempts to smear its reputation.

On Sunday, the Iranian parliament appointed Mehrdad Akhlaghi - one of the founders of the country's ballistic missile program - as Minister of Defense. Following his appointment to the post, which had remained vacant since his predecessor was killed in February, Akhlaghi stated on Thursday that he would focus on new technologies.