US Intelligence: Iran Continues Missile Arsenal Reconstruction

American officials estimate that Iran possesses between 1,500 and 2,500 missiles, while Israeli assessments suggest around 1,500 remain, providing Tehran with significant offensive capabilities should a wider conflict erupt. Despite damage to its missile production facilities from U.S. and Israeli strikes, Iran has continued to rebuild its missile arsenal, albeit at a slower pace than before the war. "The unveiling of the missile city is not only a technological and security achievement, but a symbol of the change in strategic equations in the region. We will not remain in a state of neither war nor peace," stated Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. He added, "We do not care if the United States wants to negotiate or wage war, if it accepts our seven conditions."

In parallel, Bahrain reported intercepting multiple Iranian aerial attacks for the second time in three days. This followed Tehran's announcement that it had attacked a U.S. military base in the Gulf state "in revenge for hostile actions by the U.S." A senior U.S. official told Al Jazeera that no damage was sustained by American forces and that "Iran has failed once again." Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed to have launched six drones targeting a U.S. air defense radar at the Al-Riffa air base in Bahrain, according to Iran's state television, Press TV. The Bahraini military stated its air defense forces intercepted several Iranian aerial attacks before they reached their targets, accusing Tehran of continuing its "systematic hostile approach" toward the kingdom. These were the first such interceptions by Bahraini air defenses since September.

Meanwhile, the Revolutionary Guards' navy reported that two oil tankers were hit by explosions and caught fire after encountering naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly told advisors he is considering refraining from further strikes on Iran, provided Tehran or the Houthis do not launch new military actions, according to three sources familiar with the matter. Trump has expressed a willingness to avoid escalating the conflict, aligning with requests from regional allies. During a meeting two weeks prior, Trump told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that he intended to launch an attack after the U.S. midterm elections, but bin Salman urged him to wait, arguing that economic sanctions on Iran were proving effective.