Iranupdated 1h ago2 min read
Archive photo · 22 June 2026US Intelligence Estimates Iran Retains 1,500–2,500 Missiles Despite Strikes
6 West Asian2 Israeli2 Other2 Other source typesPhoto: U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dylan Myers / US federal government, Public domain · Cropped for layout
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Iran retains 1,500–2,500 missiles despite months of strikes. US intelligence says the arsenal could threaten US and allied targets if hostilities resume.
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Missile stockpile estimate
US intelligence assessments cited by the Wall Street Journal estimate that Iran retains between 1,500 and 2,500 missiles despite months of US and Israeli strikes targeting its weapons infrastructure. US officials told the Wall Street Journal that the assessment carries a low level of confidence because of difficulties determining how many missiles are ready for launch and how many remain in storage.
The assessments suggest Tehran continues rebuilding its missile stockpile at a slower pace than before the war, while Iran also retains significant numbers of drones and short-range missiles. Simone Ledeen, a former US deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East, said even the lower estimate would suggest Iran had restored more than half of its prewar missile arsenal.
Claims vs rebuilding
The Wall Street Journal assessment challenges US President Donald Trump’s claims that Tehran’s military capabilities have been largely destroyed, according to US officials cited by the newspaper. The assessment says Tehran has continued rebuilding its missile stockpile despite damage from US and Israeli strikes on Iran’s missile production facilities, and it adds that the rebuilding process has proceeded more slowly than before the war.
The report also says Israeli military officials estimate that Iran possesses more than 1,500 ballistic missiles, while regional assessments differ on the remaining arsenal. Jim Lamson, a visiting research fellow at King’s College London and former CIA analyst specializing in Iran’s military, said it is difficult to determine how many missiles Iran has because of the secrecy surrounding its arsenal and the various manufacturers involved.
Pressure, allies, and options
Washington has so far opted to maintain economic pressure on Tehran through sanctions and a blockade rather than launch another major military offensive, according to the Wall Street Journal as cited by US officials. Gulf allies have warned against renewed fighting over fears of retaliatory Iranian strikes, while Israel continues to push for further military action, according to the same report.
The assessment is described as feeding internal discussions within the Trump administration about whether to launch another offensive against Iran alongside Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to push for renewed strikes against Tehran, and Mossad chief Roman Gofman traveled to Washington on Friday for talks with US officials on the matter.