A secret intelligence report, drafted earlier this month and cited by the New York Times on 12/5, indicates a stark contrast between public statements by US leaders regarding the "destruction" of the Iranian military and classified briefings given to lawmakers by intelligence agencies.
Unnamed senior officials expressed concern over evidence suggesting that Iran's military has accessed 30 of the 33 underground missile bases positioned along the Strait of Hormuz. "This could threaten warships and cargo vessels traversing this crucial sea lane," the US newspaper reported.
Sources familiar with the matter suggest Iran may be using mobile missile launchers to relocate missiles from these bases to new facilities. Some sites are also equipped with launch pads, enabling immediate missile deployment when needed.
Intelligence assessments attribute this situation to a tactical decision by US commanders, who opted to collapse the entrances of underground facilities rather than destroy entire sites, given a limited supply of bunker-buster bombs.
US intelligence agencies also estimate that Iran has gained access to 90% of its national ammunition depots and underground missile bases. Many of these facilities have been partially or fully restored.
 |
Range of some Iranian missiles. Graphics: Reuters |
The Washington Post previously reported that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) assessed that "Iran still retains significant combat capability." According to a US official, Iran preserved approximately 70% of its missiles and 75% of its launchers after six weeks of conflict, and has since cleared access to many underground bases.
Iranian officials have not commented on this information.
In early March, US President Donald Trump asserted that "Iran has only a few missiles left; militarily, the country has nothing." A month later, during a Pentagon press conference, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared that the US-Israel operation "devastated the Iranian military, rendering them incapable of fighting for years."
President Trump reiterated on 6/5 that most of the adversary's missiles had been destroyed. "Iran has only 18-19% of its missiles remaining, which is insignificant compared to what they once possessed," he stated.
 |
Missiles at an exhibition of Iran's defense achievements in Tehran in 2023. Photo: Reuters |
When asked for comment, White House spokesperson Olivia Wales reiterated President Trump's assertions that the Iranian military "has been destroyed." She stated that the Iranian government understands the current situation "cannot be sustained long-term," while criticizing those who believe Tehran is rebuilding its military capabilities.
The acting Pentagon press secretary also criticized US media for its coverage of the Middle East conflict, suggesting that many parties were attempting to discredit "Operation Horrific Fury."
Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP, Reuters)
