US Officials Say Iran Retains Military Capability, Contradicting Trump’s ‘Obliteration’ Claims

Last Updated:April 22, 2026, 23:03 IST

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed — on Truth Social and in media interactions — that Iran’s army, navy and air force have been “obliterated”.

American intelligence officials say Iran retains far more military capability than the White House or Pentagon have publicly acknowledged.

US broadcaster CBS News, which first reported the assessment, said roughly half of Iran’s ballistic missile stockpile and its associated launch systems remained intact as of the start of the ceasefire in early April, citing three officials.

The officials also said about 60% of the naval arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is still operational, including its fleet of fast-attack boats. On Wednesday, Iranian gunboats targeted commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, hours after Trump announced a unilateral extension of the ceasefire to allow more time for talks.

Iran’s air power has been significantly degraded but “hasn’t been erased", the officials said, adding that nearly two-thirds of its air force is still believed to be operational.

The assessment contrasts with claims from Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who have described Operation Epic Fury as having effectively destroyed Iran’s military capacity.

“We’ve taken out their navy, we’ve taken out their air force, we’ve taken out their leaders," Trump said on Tuesday.

“By any measure, Epic Fury decimated Iran’s military and rendered it combat ineffective for years to come," Hegseth said earlier this month.

But a written statement by the head of the Defense Intelligence Agency to the House Armed Services Committee indicated that Iran retains the ability to inflict damage.

“Iran retains thousands of missiles and one-way attack UAVs that can threaten US and partner forces throughout the region, despite degradations to its capabilities from both attrition and expenditure," Marine Lt Gen James Adams wrote.

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