Washington: The United States has said that it can confirm the destruction of only about one third of Iran’s missile arsenal, even after weeks of intense military strikes, raising concerns that the conflict may continue for a longer period.
According to US intelligence sources, another portion of Iran’s missile stockpile may have been damaged or hidden, but its exact condition is still unclear. A significant share is believed to remain fully operational, allowing Iran to continue launching attacks.
Officials say that despite heavy bombardment targeting missile sites, drone facilities, and military infrastructure, Iran’s underground storage systems have made it difficult to fully assess and eliminate its weapons. Many missiles are believed to be stored in deep tunnels or relocated to secret locations.
The US and its allies have carried out thousands of strikes in recent weeks, hitting a large number of military targets. Several key facilities linked to missile production and naval operations have been damaged or destroyed. However, military experts say destroying infrastructure does not always mean the weapons themselves are completely neutralised.
Iran has continued to launch missiles and drones toward targets in the region, showing that its military capabilities remain active. The ongoing attacks have increased fears of a wider regional conflict, with tensions spreading across the Middle East.
US officials have said their goal is to weaken Iran’s military strength, including its missile and drone programmes, without sending ground troops. They believe the main objectives could be achieved in the coming weeks, though the situation remains uncertain.
The conflict has also raised global concerns, especially about energy supplies and shipping routes. Key areas such as the Strait of Hormuz remain under threat, and oil prices have shown signs of volatility.
As the fighting continues, the gap between confirmed damage and actual remaining capabilities is becoming a major challenge, making it difficult to predict how the situation will unfold in the coming days.