Iran Can Quickly Replenish Missile Arsenal Despite Attacks, Report Says

Iran retains the ability to rapidly produce ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, and to quickly replenish its military stockpiles, despite recent U.S. and Israeli attacks, according to Western officials familiar with its military capabilities. Tehran maintains a significant inventory of missiles and anti-ship weapons, with the potential to expand its arsenal if fighting resumes. One Western official indicated that Russia is supplying Iran with missiles, a notable development in military cooperation between the two countries, following earlier reports of Tehran providing Moscow with ballistic missiles for use in the Ukraine war. These assessments come as reports suggest U.S. preparations for a potential resumption of hostilities against Iran in the coming weeks. Israeli reports indicate that Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir was briefed on U.S. military readiness for a possible offensive, while the Pentagon has directed CENTCOM to complete preparations, without setting a date for operations. Any potential strike is expected to be intense, short-lived, and target facilities in Iran's energy, infrastructure, and nuclear sectors. Conversely, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States would not attack Iran before the November midterm elections, emphasizing that sanctions would continue. The White House has rejected assessments of Tehran's significant military capabilities, asserting that previous strikes severely damaged its nuclear, missile, and military infrastructure. Israeli estimates suggest Iran possessed around 2,500 ballistic missiles before the conflict, while Western intelligence in June estimated it retained about 75% of its weapons stockpile compared to pre-war levels. The actual size of its remaining arsenal remains unclear, with some believing that a pause in major U.S. attacks has allowed Iran to rebuild its capabilities. In a related development, concerns are rising over Iranian attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with the British Navy reporting at least ten ships damaged in the past week. A researcher at the Pacific Forum suggested Iran may have only used a limited portion of its ship-targeting capabilities, including anti-ship missiles, thus far. Regionally, media close to Yemen's Houthis reported four attacks on Sanaa International Airport, while reports from Lebanon mentioned airstrikes targeting southern areas, including Kfar Tibnin, Wadi Hujair, and Al Mansouri. These developments highlight differing views on Iran's remaining military capacity and its recovery speed, with Western officials believing Tehran can replenish its arsenal, while the White House maintains that prior strikes significantly weakened its capabilities. The possibility of renewed confrontation remains a key factor in the regional landscape.