A new US intelligence assessment has concluded that roughly half of Iran’s missile launchers remain intact despite weeks of bombardment by American and Israeli forces — raising serious doubts about claims the country’s military capabilities have been crippled.

The report suggests Tehran still possesses enough launch systems and thousands of attack drones to sustain operations across the region, prolonging a war already shaking global energy markets.

Intel Report Challenges White House Claims

The findings directly contradict statements from Donald Trump, who recently declared Iran’s strike capacity had been “dramatically curtailed” and victory was close.

According to officials familiar with the intelligence review, about half of Iran’s drone arsenal also remains operational, alongside a significant share of coastal cruise missiles.

Some missile launchers have been buried under rubble after airstrikes, but analysts say many others have simply been hidden or redeployed.

Tehran Shifts Tactics Under Fire

Military analysts believe Iran has adapted quickly to constant aerial attacks.

Launchers are being concealed, arsenals conserved and strikes carried out more selectively. The result: fewer attacks overall, but increasingly focused on strategic targets such as radar networks and energy infrastructure.

Iran’s ability to keep launching missiles suggests its underground storage networks remain largely intact.

Tunnel Networks Frustrate Air Campaign

Iran is believed to store much of its military hardware in extensive underground facilities designed to withstand airstrikes.

That infrastructure has complicated the campaign by the United States Department of Defense and Israel, leaving fewer visible targets after weeks of bombing.

Officials say the air war may now be entering a phase of diminishing returns.

Escalation Threatens Energy Markets

Meanwhile, the conflict continues to expand beyond the battlefield.

Iran’s disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has rattled global markets. Oil prices surged, with Brent Crude jumping nearly 8 per cent to above $109 a barrel.

Tehran has also launched fresh strikes across the region, including attacks that set a refinery ablaze in Kuwait.

War of Attrition Takes Shape

Washington has vowed to intensify the campaign.

Trump warned the US military had “not even started destroying what’s left in Iran,” threatening new strikes on bridges and power plants if Tehran refuses to yield.

But with much of Iran’s arsenal still intact, the conflict is beginning to look less like a quick victory — and more like a grinding war of attrition.

Half of Iran’s missile launchers still intact, US intelligence finds

What, how could Trump be wrong?

What will happen when the new next generation of missiles built by China and Russia start arriving?

Will mainland USA then become a target?

Wow,i never thought the grifter was lying when he said all of the ammo that Iran had was destroyed. But then again i knew the animal was lying as it's lips did move.

I am surprised US intel has come up with that assessment. I thought Trump had fired all the competent ones in that department too.

22 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

I am surprised US intel has come up with that assessment. I thought Trump had fired all the competent ones in that department too.

Now for sure they will be fired for being truthful.

Under this administration the term ‘U.S. intelligence’ is an oxymoron.

3 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Under this administration the term ‘U.S. intelligence’ is an oxymoron.

The common feature of dictators is they get rid of anyone who who gainsays them, and surround themselves with people who tell them what they want to hear. Sound familiar?

5 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Under this administration the term ‘U.S. intelligence’ is an oxymoron.

You mean I.N.T.E.L.L.I.G.E.N.C.E.

1 hour ago, Lacessit said:

The common feature of dictators is they get rid of anyone who who gainsays them, and surround themselves with people who tell them what they want to hear. Sound familiar?

It's not just dictatorships where people are afraid of giving bad news to the boss.

https://time.com/article/2026/04/02/trump-iran-off-ramp/

It fell on White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and a small group of aides to tell the President that the longer the war dragged on, the more it would threaten his public support and Republicans’ prospects in November’s midterm elections. ........Wiles, according to two White House sources, was concerned aides were giving the President a rose-colored view of how the war was being perceived domestically, telling Trump what he wanted to hear instead of what he needed to hear. She had urged colleagues, the officials say, to be “more forthright with the boss” about the political and economic risks.

So Hegseth went into this thinking Iran wouldn't fight back much.......