US can confirm destruction of about one-third of Iran's missile arsenal
The United States can only confirm the destruction of approximately one-third of Iran's missile arsenal, despite combat operations against the country having been ongoing for almost a month, writes Reuters.
Illustrative photo. Photo: Anadolu
Four sources told the agency that the status of approximately another third is less clear, but the bombings likely damaged, destroyed, or buried these missiles in underground tunnels and bunkers.
One source said that intelligence regarding Iran's drone capabilities is similar. The source says there is some confidence that about a third of them have been destroyed.
Reuters notes that the assessment, not previously reported, indicates that while most Iranian missiles are either destroyed or inaccessible, Tehran still possesses a significant arsenal. It might be able to recover some currently buried or damaged missiles after hostilities cease.
The agency notes that this intelligence contradicts public statements by US President Donald Trump that Iran "has very few missiles left."
In response to a request for comment, a Pentagon spokesperson stated that the number of Iranian missile and drone attacks has decreased by approximately 90% since the start of the war. US Central Command "has also damaged or destroyed more than 66% of Iran's missile, drone, and naval manufacturing facilities and shipyards," the official added.
One source said that part of the problem lies in determining how many Iranian missiles in total were stored in the country's underground bunkers before the war began.
Israeli military officials claim that before the conflict, Tehran had 2,500 ballistic missiles capable of reaching Israel. According to a high-ranking Israeli military official, more than 335 missile launchers were "neutralized." This accounts for 70% of Iran's launch capabilities.
Israeli officials do not publicly state how many missiles they actually estimate Iran still possesses. However, in private conversations, they admit that eliminating the last 30% of Tehran's potential will be more difficult.
Simultaneously with military actions, diplomatic efforts to stop the conflict continue. On March 25, the US, through Pakistan, sent Iran a 15-point plan to end the war in the Middle East. Iran, in turn, proposes ceasefire conditions, demanding military reparations and the preservation of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
On March 27, it was reported that the Pentagon is considering sending up to 10,000 American troops to the Middle East amid tensions with Iran.