The US intelligence community believes that Iran is reconstructing its military facilities at a surprising pace.
CNN reported on Thursday, speaking with four US officials familiar with intelligence that indicates that Iran has rebuilt its military production facilities faster than estimated. Two sources said that Tehran has already started producing new drones.
While President Donald Trump and other top US officials have claimed that Iran was nearly militarily defeated during the first five weeks of the war, multiple intelligence leaks to the press suggest that Tehran retains most of its critical military resources.
Over the past month, sources said the US intelligence community believes Iran has over 70% of its pre-war missiles and launches available. Additionally, 30 of the 33 missile sites defending the Strait of Hormuz remain available.
In contrast, the US has depleted its stockpile of offensive and defensive missiles during the early weeks of the conflict. Before the conflict, Tehran was able to produce missiles faster than Washington could make interceptors.
Iran may soon be able to return to that level of production. The sources speaking with CNN said the intelligence community believes Iran could reconstitute its drone program within six months.
Trump is threatening to restart the war if Iran does not agree to a peace deal on his terms. Tehran says it is unwilling to comply with several of Washington’s demands, including giving up the Strait of Hormuz, exporting its enriched uranium, or cutting ties with its allies.
