Iran Says Missile Capabilities Higher Than Before War Despite CIA Reports: ‘Iranians Never Bow to Pressure’

Iranian International Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi rejected latest U.S. intelligence estimates about Tehran’s army capabilities on Friday, claiming Iran’s missile stock and launcher capability now exceed prewar ranges regardless of months of U.S. and Israeli strikes.

“Each time a diplomatic resolution is on the desk, the U.S. opts for a reckless army journey,” Araghchi wrote on X amid renewed clashes within the Strait of Hormuz. “Regardless of the causes, the end result is identical: Iranians by no means bow to stress and diplomacy is at all times the sufferer.”

Araghchi immediately challenged a confidential CIA evaluation first reported Thursday by The Washington Publish. In accordance to the report, U.S. intelligence businesses concluded Iran retained roughly 75% of its prewar cell missile launchers and about 70% of its missile stockpiles regardless of sustained bombardment since late February.

“The CIA is flawed,” Araghchi wrote. “Our missile stock and launcher capability are usually not at 75% in contrast to Feb. 28. The proper determine is 120%.” He added: “As for our readiness to defend our individuals: 1,000%.”

The CIA evaluation, in accordance to present and former U.S. officers cited by the Publish, additionally concluded Iran might survive the U.S. naval blockade for at the very least three to 4 months earlier than dealing with extra extreme financial hardship. Officers reportedly discovered proof that Iran had reopened underground storage services, repaired broken missiles and resumed meeting operations on weapons that have been close to completion earlier than the conflict started.

The intelligence findings contrasted with public feedback from Donald Trump, who stated this week that Iran’s missile capabilities had been “principally decimated” and diminished to “18, 19 p.c” of prewar ranges.

The change got here as tensions escalated once more regardless of ongoing ceasefire talks. On Friday, each Washington and Tehran accused one another of violating the delicate truce after clashes involving U.S. naval destroyers within the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. Central Command stated Iranian forces launched missiles, drones and small boats at three American warships in what it known as an “unprovoked assault.” Iran’s army alleged the U.S. had focused Iranian vessels and coastal positions first, prompting retaliation.

Trump stated the U.S. destroyed a number of Iranian drones and boats through the confrontation and warned Tehran to finalize a peace settlement rapidly. “Similar to we knocked them out once more in the present day, we’ll knock them out rather a lot tougher, and much more violently, sooner or later, if they do not get their Deal signed, FAST!” Trump wrote on Fact Social.

Initially revealed on Latin Occasions