Missiles Penetrate US Defenses: Iran Restored Arsenal Faster Than Expected
Despite US claims that 92% of Iran's missile arsenal was destroyed, Tehran has hit nine American bases, firing over 60 missiles at Jordan. Experts warn of Iran's high combat readiness and the risk of further escalation.
Over the past two weeks, Iran has struck nine American bases, resulting in the deaths of four US service members and injuring approximately one hundred. Brigadier General (res.) Zvika Haimovich stated, "We have once again suffered from underestimation." Assessments suggest that some of the missiles fired were extracted from Iranian "missile cities," despite efforts to destroy them during Operation Iron Swords.
Despite statements from US President Donald Trump that 92% of the Iranian missile arsenal has been liquidated, the intensity of recent attacks indicates that Tehran retains significant stocks of missiles and UAVs, along with functional command and control systems. This arsenal poses a threat to the Gulf states, Iraq, Jordan, and could be directed against Israel should the campaign escalate.
Since the resumption of hostilities, Iran has successfully penetrated US defense systems. Heavy damage has been reported at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, at an outpost near the Jordan-Syria border, and at the American base in Erbil.
Iranian System Readiness
Zvika Haimovich, former commander of the Aerial Defense Array, explains that the volume of fire points to high readiness and rapid recovery capabilities. "The time between an American attack and the Iranian response is very short," Haimovich says. "This proves their command and control systems are active. Without such a system, it would be impossible to carry out these responses with such timing and scale."
Of particular note is the firing of over 60 ballistic missiles at Jordan. "Whoever fires such quantities even before a full-scale war likely has a recovery process much faster than we in the West estimate. We have repeatedly underestimated the enemy's capabilities—this was true for Hamas, for Hezbollah, and we are seeing it now in Iran as well," he adds.
Infrastructure and Future Threats
Israel and the US have targeted underground "missile cities," but destroying deep-seated infrastructure remains extremely difficult. Iran continues to utilize surviving facilities and reportedly receives assistance in electronics and navigation, allegedly from Russia and China.
According to Haimovich, Iran's willingness to escalate demonstrates confidence in its remaining stockpile. The hits on US bases resulted from a combination of Iranian intelligence, operational methods, and the depletion of US interceptor stocks. In response, the US Air Force is urgently seeking new mobile defense systems.
In the event of a full-scale war, experts anticipate that Iran could maintain a launch rate of 10 to 15 missiles daily. Furthermore, the role of the Houthis is expected to grow, creating additional challenges for multi-arena defense.
