Iran retains 75% of missile arsenal despite US claims

Washington, D.C., May 13, 2026 Recent US intelligence assessments indicate Iran retains approximately 75% of its pre-war missile capabilities, directly contradicting Trump administration claims of a decisive military victory, according to reports by The New York Times and Washington Post. ## Intelligence Reports Challenge White House Narrative The New York Times, citing early May intelligence figures, reported that Iran still possesses about 70% of its pre-war missile inventory and 75% of its mobile launch platforms. These findings starkly contrast with White House assertions that the Iran conflict had left Tehran "militarily quasi-incapacitated," as President Trump claimed in early March. Similarly, the Washington Post last week cited a US intelligence analysis confirming comparable figures. The reports suggest Iran has regained access to 30 of its 33 missile positions along the Strait of Hormuz, a critical strategic waterway. High-ranking officials reportedly expressed particular alarm over Iran’s rapid restoration of underground missile storage and launch facilities. According to the NYT, Tehran now has full or partial access to 90% of these sites, with only three remaining inaccessible. ## Pentagon and White House Responses Defense officials have pushed back against concerns over ammunition shortages. General Caine stated during a Tuesday congressional hearing that there is "currently enough ammunition for the tasks assigned to us." Meanwhile, Democratic Senator Mark Kelly warned on CBS about dwindling US munitions stockpiles, claiming the Pentagon briefed him on depleted supplies of Tomahawk missiles and Patriot defense systems. President Trump dismissed the intelligence reports as "practically treason," accusing unnamed media outlets of supporting Iran. "When the Fake News claims that the Iranian enemy is doing well militarily against us, it is practically TREASON," he wrote, emphasizing the destruction of 159 Iranian ships. ## Financial and Strategic Implications The conflict’s costs continue to rise, with the Pentagon’s controller reporting an additional $4 billion in expenditures, bringing total US spending to $29 billion. The Harvard Kennedy School projected in April that cumulative costs could reach $1 trillion for US taxpayers. Despite these figures, Trump rejected financial concerns as motivation for diplomacy. "Not even a little," he responded when asked if economic pressures influenced negotiations. Before a recent trip to China, he reiterated: "I only think about one thing: We cannot allow Iran to have nuclear weapons." The intelligence assessments come amid growing scrutiny of US munitions consumption and the long-term sustainability of military operations against Iran.

US Intelligence Contradicts Trump: Iran Retains Majority of Missile Arsenal

Intelligence Reports Challenge White House Narrative

Pentagon and White House Responses

Financial and Strategic Implications