NBC News reported on 1/5, citing one US official and two sources familiar with the matter, that Iran has used a ceasefire to recover military assets and equipment trapped in underground bunkers following US-Israel airstrikes. Iran appears to be intensifying these efforts in recent days, as peace talks have stalled and the risk of renewed conflict grows.
US officials assess Iran aims to quickly restore its missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) strike capabilities. This comes as they prepare to target sites across the Middle East if President Donald Trump decides to resume airstrikes.
A Pentagon spokesperson reiterated Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's statement, confirming that the US has detected signs of Iran attempting to restore military capabilities. Hegseth added on 16/4, "While Iran digs through the rubble at targeted facilities, the US is growing stronger. Iran is only salvaging remaining launchers and missiles, but lacks the ability to replace them".
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly affirmed the US military "achieved all objectives" set by Trump. These included destroying Iran's naval capabilities, ballistic missiles, and defense industry, as well as weakening militia groups supported by the country. Kelly stated, "President Trump has all options at his disposal after a successful military campaign, but he always prioritizes diplomatic solutions and has instructed US negotiators to work towards an agreement to ensure Iran never acquires nuclear weapons".
One White House official noted that President Trump's visit to China, scheduled for mid-month, is a factor considered as he weighs options regarding Iran. The visit, previously postponed when conflict erupted, is now a priority, and the White House does not wish to reschedule it again.
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Excavators and trucks clear an entrance to an underground missile base south of Tabriz in a satellite image taken on 10/4. Photo: CNN. |
US experts and congressional advisors believe Iran preserved part of its missile arsenal by deploying decoys and dispersing assets nationwide. As the US reinforced its presence in the Middle East, Iran camouflaged or moved its remaining missiles and launchers into underground bunkers.
US media previously cited US intelligence reports, in which Washington assessed Tehran retained much of its pre-conflict military capabilities. These included ballistic missiles, more than one-half of its air force aircraft, and about one-half of the navy fleet belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
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A volley of Iranian missiles flies towards Israel on 1/3. Photo: AFP. |
The US and Israel attacked numerous Iranian ballistic missile sites and launchers, as well as other targets during six weeks of conflict. Trump administration officials assessed Iran's arsenal suffered significant destruction, but its forces still retain missile and UAV strike capabilities. President Trump admitted on 29/4 that Iran still maintained part of its missile arsenal. "They still have missiles; about 82% have been destroyed. Iran also has UAVs, though most have disappeared", he said.
Iran has not commented on the information. The country has repeatedly stated its ability to counter the US and protect its interests.
