Iran Maintains Military Strength

(MENAFN) American intelligence and defense authorities have indicated that Iran still possesses a considerable share of its military stockpile even after enduring weeks of coordinated US and Israeli attacks, preserving what they describe as a “powerful deterrent," according to a report published Saturday by The New York Times.

Based on evaluations referenced by The New York Times, Iran continues to hold “about 40 percent of its prewar arsenal of drones” along with “upward of 60 percent of its missile launchers," highlighting the resilience of its military resources despite sustained pressure.

Officials further revealed that more than 100 missile launcher units—previously hidden within “caves and bunkers”—have been brought back into use since the implementation of a two-week ceasefire on April 8. This development points to ongoing efforts by Iran to rebuild and enhance its operational strength.

In addition, authorities noted that Iran is actively attempting to recover missiles trapped beneath debris caused by strikes targeting storage depots and subterranean facilities. Some projections suggest the country could restore “as much as 70 percent of its prewar arsenal” once these recovery operations are finalized.

Although its weapons production facilities have suffered extensive damage, US officials assess that Iran still retains “more than enough to hold shipping in the Strait of Hormuz hostage in the future," underlining its continued capacity to influence critical maritime routes.

Experts emphasized that Tehran’s approach to deterrence is increasingly grounded in leveraging its geographic position alongside unconventional warfare tactics.

“Everyone now knows that if there is a conflict in the future, closing the strait will be the first thing in the Iranian textbook,” stated Danny Citrinowicz, a former Israeli military intelligence official.

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