JUST IN: Iran Tells Pakistan It “Believed It Was Winning” Before Cutting Off Direct US Diplomacy, Claims 15,000 Missiles and 45,000 Drones Remain – WSJ Reports

By Reflecto News Desk
April 7, 2026

Iran has privately signaled strong confidence in its position during backchannel talks mediated by Pakistan, telling mediators that it “believed it was winning” the conflict even as it cut off direct diplomacy with the United States. According to a Wall Street Journal report, Tehran also claimed its arsenal remains largely intact, with approximately 15,000 missiles and 45,000 drones still available despite weeks of U.S. and Israeli strikes.

This disclosure comes on a day of intense escalation, including fresh Israeli airstrikes on Iranian rail infrastructure and as President Donald Trump’s 8:00 PM ET deadline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz draws to a close.

Iran’s Message to Mediators via Pakistan

Pakistan has served as a key intermediary in recent efforts to broker a ceasefire or temporary de-escalation between Washington and Tehran. Iranian officials conveyed to Pakistani mediators that Tehran views itself as prevailing in the prolonged confrontation, citing its ability to sustain operations and absorb pressure while maintaining leverage through the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The claims about remaining weaponry — 15,000 missiles and 45,000 drones — were presented as evidence that Iran’s military capabilities are “nowhere near depleted,” despite reported damage to production facilities and launch sites from earlier U.S.-Israeli operations. This assessment contrasts sharply with public U.S. and Israeli statements suggesting significant degradation of Iran’s arsenal.

Iran’s decision to cut off direct diplomacy with the U.S. appears tied to its rejection of temporary or one-sided deals, insisting instead on a comprehensive package that includes a permanent end to hostilities, sanctions relief, and guarantees against future attacks.

Context Within the Ongoing Crisis

The revelation highlights the wide gap between the two sides as Trump’s self-imposed deadline expires. The president has stated that planned U.S. strikes are “happening” but “could change” with last-minute progress, while warning of unprecedented action against Iranian infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened to safe international shipping.

Key recent developments include:

• Israeli Rail Strikes: Israel targeted multiple railway bridges and lines after warning Iranian civilians to avoid train travel, aiming to disrupt IRGC logistics.
• IRGC “New Phase”: Iran’s Revolutionary Guard declared expanded retaliatory attacks against “aggressors.”
• UN Deadlock: Russia and China vetoed a Bahrain-sponsored resolution on safe navigation; Bahrain accused the Security Council of failing to act.
• Strait of Hormuz Closure: Iran has controlled the vital waterway since late February 2026, disrupting 20-30% of global seaborne oil trade and driving up energy prices.

Implications for Diplomacy and Escalation

Iran’s confident messaging to Pakistan suggests limited willingness to concede under current pressure, potentially hardening positions as the deadline passes. At the same time, the continued use of Pakistani mediators indicates that indirect channels remain open, even if direct U.S.-Iran talks have been suspended.

Analysts note that exaggerated claims of arsenal strength are common in such conflicts for psychological and negotiating leverage. However, if accurate even in part, they point to Iran’s capacity for prolonged asymmetric warfare, including missile barrages, drone swarms, and proxy actions across the region.

The combination of military actions (Israeli rail strikes, potential U.S. follow-through) and Iran’s defiant stance raises risks of further escalation tonight, with possible impacts on global energy markets, shipping routes, and civilian areas.

What Happens Next?

With Trump’s 8:00 PM ET cutoff approaching and Israeli media running live countdowns, attention focuses on whether any breakthrough occurs in the final moments or if strikes intensify. Iran’s claims of resilience could influence both its own response posture and U.S. calculations about the scale of any action.

Reflecto News will continue providing live updates on statements from all parties, military movements, and market reactions as this critical evening unfolds.

FAQs: Iran’s Claims to Pakistan and the Deadline Crisis

What did Iran tell Pakistan according to the WSJ report?
Iran conveyed that it “believed it was winning” the conflict and that its arsenal still included around 15,000 missiles and 45,000 drones, signaling its capabilities were far from exhausted before cutting off direct diplomacy with the U.S.

Why is Pakistan involved?
Pakistan has acted as a mediator in indirect talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire or compromise on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

How does this affect Trump’s 8:00 PM ET deadline?
The claims suggest Iran is unlikely to make major concessions quickly, increasing the chance that the deadline passes without a deal and potentially triggering U.S. military action.

What is the status of the Strait of Hormuz?
Iran continues to restrict passage, using the closure as leverage. Reopening under safe conditions remains the central U.S. demand.

Are Iran’s weapon claims verified?
The figures come from Iranian statements to mediators; independent verification is difficult amid the fog of war, though U.S. and Israeli assessments have previously indicated significant degradation of Iranian stockpiles and production.

What are the broader risks?
Further escalation could lead to intensified strikes, higher global oil prices, supply disruptions, and wider regional involvement.

This story is developing rapidly with profound implications for the Middle East and global energy security. Reflecto News will monitor all updates closely.