Iran Retains Most Missile Sites Along Strait of Hormuz

Iran has retained most of its missile sites along the Strait of Hormuz, The New York Times reported on Tuesday, citing a classified intelligence assessment from earlier this month. The report follows a series of publications in the American media contradicting President Donald Trump’s claims that Iran’s military had been largely destroyed during the US-Israeli bombing campaign that lasted from February 28 until a ceasefire took effect on April 8. According to the Times, Iran has restored operational access to 30 of the 33 missile sites along the Strait of Hormuz, which are capable of targeting US warships and tankers passing through the narrow waterway that normally handles about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade. Iran closed the route to what it described as “enemy ships” in response to US and Israeli airstrikes and has since insisted on the right to control all maritime traffic and collect tolls. The intelligence assessments cited by the Times reaffirmed earlier reports that Iran has retained about 70% of its mobile launchers and roughly 70% of its prewar missile stockpile. Negotiations remain stalled after the US and Iran once again rejected each other’s proposals over the weekend as unacceptable. Trump has intensified threats to resume the military campaign, with media reports saying he has been briefed on additional strike options. The US has demanded that Iran dismantle its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, which Tehran has rejected, insisting that its uranium enrichment activities are solely for civilian purposes. Iran’s peace terms include an end to Israel’s war against Hezbollah in Lebanon, the lifting of sanctions, reparations, and recognition of what Tehran calls its “sovereignty” over the Strait of Hormuz.