CIA Rejects Trump's Claims: Iran Retains 70% of Pre-War Missiles
Middle East Eye
A CIA report contradicts President Trump's claims, showing Iran retains 70% of its pre-war missiles and can withstand a US blockade for up to 120 days. The findings directly challenge assertions by Trump and Secretary Hegseth that Iran's military has been neutralized.
The Central Intelligence Agency has issued a report that directly contradicts public statements by President Donald Trump and his top officials about Iran's military and economic condition, according to The Washington Post on Thursday.
The assessment shows Iran could endure a US naval blockade for another 90 to 120 days before facing severe economic strain. Meanwhile, Tehran maintains 'significant ballistic missile capability' after weeks of Israeli and American airstrikes.
A US official cited by the Post said Iran still has 75% of its mobile launchers and approximately 70% of its pre-war missile stockpile. Iran has also reactivated underground missile storage facilities.
These findings starkly contrast Trump's statement on May 8: 'Their missiles are virtually destroyed. They probably have only 18 or 19 percent left—not much compared to what they once had.'
For weeks, Trump and senior advisers have insisted Iran was devastated by US and Israeli air strikes, despite the Islamic Republic demonstrating intact command-and-control systems. US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth declared: 'Operation Epic Fury has destroyed the Iranian military and rendered it combat-ineffective for years to come.'
Just this week, Iran launched more than a dozen missiles and drones at the UAE in retaliation for a US attempt to move warships through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran also claimed it struck a US vessel, which the White House denied.
Regarding the oil blockade, Trump told Fox News last week: 'Something happened that caused it to blow up. They said they had only three days before that happened. Once it blows up, you can never rebuild it the way it was.'
Energy analytics firm Kpler estimated Iran has only 25–30 days before running out of oil storage space. However, the CIA analysis provides a longer timeline—90 to 120 days before Tehran faces severe economic hardship.
Both the US and Iran have imposed blockades around the Strait of Hormuz to control the strategic waterway. Iran cannot send its oil tankers out through Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, but it also prevents Gulf states from exporting oil. However, Iran does not rely on Hormuz for overall trade with neighboring countries and is assessed to be 80% self-sufficient in food production.
