Iran Resumes Ballistic Missile Production at Underground Sites
Sources in the United States and the Middle East have reported that Iran has resumed ballistic missile production at underground facilities, utilizing previously stockpiled components. According to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal, despite significant U.S. strikes on Iranian missile sites and industrial infrastructure early in the conflict, Iran has managed to restart the assembly of both liquid-fueled and solid-fueled missiles. U.S. intelligence has detected activity at several underground sites, including the Khojir missile complex in southeastern Iran. Tehran is also reportedly attempting to establish new underground assembly locations to mitigate the risk of destruction from further strikes.
However, U.S. and regional sources indicate that Iran's current production of new missiles is at a considerably lower volume than before the war began this year. This reduction is attributed to U.S. and Israeli strikes on key industrial facilities essential for missile component and missile production, as well as a U.S. naval blockade that has complicated Iran's import of necessary components.
The article notes that eliminating Iran's missile program was a primary objective for the U.S. and Israel when the war commenced in late February. The current situation suggests both nations are facing challenges in achieving this goal, as Iran's continued and restored missile capabilities enhance its capacity for a war of attrition. The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declined to comment on the publication.
A White House spokesperson did not directly confirm the resumption of ballistic missile production but emphasized that Iran's nuclear facilities have been destroyed and its armed forces severely damaged. The spokesperson stated, "Iran is weaker than ever, and President Trump will never allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons." Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell asserted that the U.S. has "destroyed up to 90% of Iran's industrial base related to naval forces, drones, and ballistic missiles" and has "significantly undermined" Tehran's ability to launch missiles and drones.
Satellite imagery cited by The Wall Street Journal indicates Iran is rebuilding numerous sites, from bridges and roads to missile production facilities, at a pace faster than anticipated by the U.S. and Israel. The article also suggests Iran is escalating tensions, potentially to exhaust the U.S. or influence the November 2026 midterm elections.
