WASHINGTON — Iran has resumed production of ballistic missiles using stockpiled components and is operating in underground facilities, according to a report published on Thursday. This development contradicts claims made by the Trump administration regarding the success of Operation Epic Fury in dismantling Iran's military capabilities.
President Trump and his administration previously asserted that military operations had significantly weakened Iran's nuclear program and conventional weapons infrastructure. However, multiple officials informed the Wall Street Journal that Iran is currently manufacturing both liquid-propellant missiles, which require fueling just before launch, and solid-propellant missiles, which can be stored ready for immediate use.
The White House did not dispute the report but indicated that they are closely monitoring the situation. A White House official stated, "As President Trump has said, the United States is watching Iran and has eyes on their every move."
The official also reiterated Trump's stance, claiming, "At the direction of the Commander in Chief, the United States Military obliterated Iran’s nuclear facilities, decimated their defense industrial base, sunk their navy, and rendered their air force irrelevant. Iran is weaker now than ever before, and President Trump will never allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon."
One of the primary objectives of Operation Epic Fury was to destroy Iran’s missile inventory and its capacity to produce new missiles. American officials have claimed that 85% of Iran’s defense industrial base was destroyed during the bombing campaign, which targeted ballistic missiles, launcher vehicles, and long-range attack drones.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated in April that Tehran’s drone and missile program had been "functionally destroyed." Despite this, it appears that some underground military assembly sites have remained intact, and Iran is utilizing existing components rather than establishing a new supply line.
This report emerges as President Trump acknowledged that the conflict with Iran is likely to continue until after the midterm elections. He indicated that he expects gas prices to remain elevated during this period, attributing the situation to Iran's actions aimed at influencing the election outcome.
Trump remarked, "They’re desperate to try and affect the election, so that we can get a nice weak group of people in there, and leave them alone and let them have their nuclear weapon," during a press conference at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday.
The ongoing war remains unpopular among many Americans, with a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted last month revealing that only 31% of Americans support it. Additionally, gas prices have surged, with oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel this week.
Despite criticism, Trump has maintained his position, stating in an interview with Fox News’ Laura Ingraham that he has no regrets about initiating the war. "I don’t believe in the word regret," he said. "You can always question yourself a little bit. And a few people have asked me that. If I had it to do again, I’d do exactly as I did."