"Most of their drone manufacturing facilities, missile launchers, and missile production areas have been destroyed," US president Donald Trump stated regarding Iran in an interview with NBC News on 5/6.

However, they still possess operational capabilities.

"They still have some missiles and drones. In terms of percentage, they probably retain 21-22% of their missiles. That is a large number of missiles, but not as many as before we attacked them," he remarked.

US president Donald Trump in Wisconsin on 5/6. Photo: AP

When asked why Iran had not yet agreed to a conflict-ending deal, despite Trump's repeated claims that they were "begging" for one, the US president said, "that's a very difficult thing for them."

"They are strong, they are proud, there are things they never thought they would have to do, but now they are forced to do them; they have no other choice," Trump stated.

The 21-22% figure for Iran's remaining missiles is higher than the 18% the US president cited in may. He frequently claimed to have completely destroyed Iran's combat capabilities.

The US and Iran reached a ceasefire in early april, which has been maintained to date. Many firefights have occurred since then, but none have escalated into full-scale conflict. The two sides have not found common ground to completely end hostilities and continue to issue conflicting statements regarding negotiations.

By Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, Times of Israel, NBC)