Iran still possesses significant missile launching capabilities: US intelligence

Around half of Iran’s missile launch systems remain operational and the country still possesses thousands of one-way attack drones despite weeks of sustained US and Israeli strikes on military targets, according to recent US intelligence assessments cited by CNN.

Three sources familiar with the assessments said Iran retains a significant offensive capability.

"They are still very much poised to wreak absolute havoc throughout the entire region," one source said.

The estimates may also include launchers that are currently unusable, such as those buried underground by airstrikes but not fully destroyed.

The intelligence indicates that roughly half of Iran’s drone capacity—amounting to thousands of units—remains intact.

It also found that many of Iran’s coastal defense cruise missiles have not been significantly degraded.

This aligns with the US strategy of not prioritizing coastal military infrastructure in its air campaign, even though some maritime targets have been struck. These missiles are a crucial asset for Iran, enabling it to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Recent intelligence presents a more measured view of Iran’s remaining military strength, contrasting with broad claims of victory made publicly by US President Donald Trump and his administration.

In a Wednesday evening address, Trump said Iran’s capacity to deploy missiles and drones had been significantly reduced, adding that its weapons facilities and launch systems were being destroyed, with very few remaining.

As of Wednesday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that American forces have struck more than 12,300 targets inside Iran since the start of Operation Epic Fury on Feb. 28.

Sources familiar with the intelligence said US and Israeli attacks have weakened Iran’s military capabilities and eliminated several top leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Ali Larijani, who headed Iran’s National Security Council.

Despite these losses, the intelligence indicates that Iran still retains a substantial stockpile of missiles along with remaining launch infrastructure.