Iran has resumed the production of ballistic missiles, utilizing stockpiled components and operating from underground facilities, according to a recent report. This development appears to negate claims made by the Trump administration that Operation Epic Fury had successfully eradicated Iran's nuclear program and a significant portion of its conventional weapons infrastructure.
Multiple officials cited in the report stated that Tehran is now manufacturing both liquid-propellant and solid-propellant missiles. Liquid-propellant missiles require fueling immediately before launch, while solid-propellant missiles can be stored ready for deployment.
The White House acknowledged awareness of the situation, with an official stating that the United States is closely monitoring Iran's activities. "As President Trump has said, the United States is watching Iran and has eyes on their every move," the official told The Post. "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."
Destroying Iran's missile inventory and its production capabilities was a primary objective of Operation Epic Fury. American officials had previously claimed that approximately 85% of Iran's defense industrial base was destroyed during the bombing campaign, including most ballistic missiles, launcher vehicles, and long-range attack drones. In April, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Tehran's drone and missile program had been "functionally destroyed."
However, the new report suggests that some underground military assembly sites survived the operations. Iran is reportedly leveraging existing components rather than relying on new supply lines for its missile production.
The news emerges as President Trump has indicated that the conflict with Iran may extend beyond the upcoming midterm elections, and he anticipates that gas prices will remain elevated until then. Trump has attributed this to Iran's alleged efforts to influence the election outcome by creating a scenario where a "nice weak group of people" might be elected, potentially allowing Iran to pursue nuclear weapons.
The president has sought to frame the war as a justification for continued Republican leadership. The conflict has faced public opposition, with a Reuters/Ipsos poll last month indicating only 31% of Americans support it. Concurrently, oil prices have surpassed $100 a barrel this week.
Trump has dismissed criticism regarding the war, stating in an interview with Fox News' Laura Ingraham that he has "no regrets" about initiating the conflict. He reiterated his stance, saying, "If I had it to do again, I’d do exactly as I did."