Iran Says Significant Portion of Missile Capabilities Remains Unused
Published on Reflecto News | World News | Defense & Geopolitics
A senior commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has declared that a significant portion of the country’s missile capabilities remains unused, even after weeks of intense US-Israeli strikes. The statement, reported by Iranian state media on Friday, serves as a explicit warning to Washington that Tehran retains substantial strike capacity even as a fragile ceasefire holds .
“A significant portion of our missile capabilities remains unused and in full readiness. The enemy is making a grave miscalculation if they believe our power has been exhausted.” — Senior IRGC Commander
A Direct Challenge to US Claims of Military ‘Decimation’
The IRGC’s assertion directly contradicts President Donald Trump’s repeated claims that the US military campaign had “decimated” Iran’s military capacity. In recent weeks, Trump has publicly stated that “Iran is in very bad shape,” that “their military has been obliterated,” and that “they have no military left” .
The IRGC commander’s statement is a reminder that Iran’s missile forces were the primary target of US and Israeli airstrikes — and that they remain operational.
Reported remaining Iranian capabilities (according to US intelligence):
| Weapons System | Remaining Capacity |
|---|---|
| Ballistic missiles | 50-70% of pre-war stockpile |
| Missile launchers | ~60% operational |
| Attack drones (UAVs) | ~40% intact |
| Cruise missiles | Undisclosed |
| Anti-ship missiles | Operational |
Sources: CBS News, US intelligence officials
The IRGC’s claim of “significant” unused capacity aligns with recent US intelligence assessments that, while degraded, Iran retains thousands of missiles and attack drones capable of striking US and allied targets throughout the region .
‘Grave Miscalculation’: The Strategic Warning
The IRGC commander’s warning that “the enemy is making a grave miscalculation if they believe our power has been exhausted” is aimed at both Washington and Jerusalem. It signals that Tehran retains the capacity to escalate the conflict should the ceasefire collapse — or should Israel resume strikes on Iranian targets .
The warning also serves a domestic political purpose. After weeks of devastating airstrikes that have killed senior commanders and destroyed military infrastructure, the IRGC needs to project strength to its domestic audience. The claim that “significant” capacity remains unused reassures hardliners that the fight can continue.
US and Israeli Strikes: What Was Destroyed
The Pentagon has claimed significant success in degrading Iran’s military capacity:
Pentagon claims (Operation Epic Fury):
| Target Category | Damage Claim |
|---|---|
| Naval vessels | 92% of largest warships destroyed |
| Air defense systems | Approximately 80% destroyed |
| Weapons factories | 90% attacked |
| Ballistic missile storage | 450+ facilities hit |
| Drone storage | 800+ facilities hit |
Sources: Pentagon, US Central Command
The IRGC’s claim that “significant” capacity remains suggests that Iran’s missile forces — dispersed, hardened, and often concealed in underground facilities — have proven more resilient than US planners anticipated .
The ‘Unused Capability’ as a Ceasefire Message
The IRGC’s statement is also a message to the Trump administration about the terms of any eventual ceasefire. By advertising that significant strike capacity remains, Tehran is signaling that it retains leverage.
Iran’s residual military leverage:
| Capability | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Ballistic missile inventory | Thousands remain |
| Drone inventory | Hundreds remain |
| IRGC naval forces | 60% operational |
| Proxy forces (Hezbollah, Houthis, Iraqi militias) | Fully operational |
| Strait of Hormuz mining threat | Active |
This leverage translates into negotiating power. If Iran can credibly threaten to resume missile and drone strikes, Washington may be more inclined to offer sanctions relief or other concessions.
What Comes Next: ‘Unused’ Doesn’t Mean ‘Undamaged’
The IRGC’s claim that “significant” capacity remains unused should not be conflated with claims that Iran’s missile forces are undamaged. US intelligence has confirmed that Iran’s inventory has been depleted — but not eliminated .
The “unused” portion may be smaller as a percentage of pre-war stockpiles than the IRGC’s phrasing implies. But “unused” also means that Iran still has cards to play.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many missiles does Iran have left?
According to US intelligence, Iran retains approximately 50-70% of its pre-war ballistic missile stockpile — likely still thousands of projectiles .
2. Can Iran still threaten the Strait of Hormuz?
Yes. The IRGC retains naval forces and mines that can disrupt shipping through the strait. Iran has already resumed mining operations .
3. Has Israel destroyed Iran’s missile production capacity?
Israeli officials claim to have destroyed Iran’s ability to produce new ballistic missiles. However, Iran may still be able to manufacture missiles using concealed facilities.
4. Does Iran have hypersonic missiles?
Iran has claimed to possess hypersonic missiles, but US intelligence has not confirmed the operational status of such systems .
5. What is the current status of the ceasefire?
A fragile ceasefire has been extended at Pakistan’s request. Its future depends on whether the US and Iran can reach a permanent agreement .
6. What does Iran mean by ‘unused’ missile capabilities?
The IRGC is signaling that it has not deployed its full arsenal and retains significant strike capacity in reserve.
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