CNN Reports That Only Half of Iran’s Launch Systems and Drones Have Been Destroyed

(SeaPRwire) –   US intelligence findings are said to differ from official claims about Operation Epic Fury’s effectiveness

Approximately half of Iran’s missile launchers and kamikaze drones remain operational despite a month of US-Israeli strikes, CNN reports, citing a military intelligence assessment.

The report, released on Friday, indicates that Iran still possesses a substantial inventory of missiles, according to three sources familiar with classified information. Previous reporting by Reuters also suggested that Tehran’s capabilities might be less diminished than publicly stated by US officials.

CNN asserted that some Iranian weaponry may currently be inaccessible, as US and Israeli strikes have targeted the entrances to a tunnel network used for their concealment, which Tehran had constructed in anticipation of attacks.

Furthermore, Iran is believed to retain a significant portion of its short-range cruise missile arsenal positioned along the coast. It also claims to have “hundreds, if not thousands” of small vessels and surface drones, which could be deployed against shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has effectively blocked passage for unauthorized vessels through this chokepoint as part of a broader strategy to increase economic pressure on US allies and global markets.

According to CNN, these maritime assets have not been a primary focus of US operations, which have concentrated on longer-range systems capable of threatening Israel and Gulf states.

A Reuters report last week cited US intelligence indicating that only about one-third of Iran’s long-range missiles and drones had been verifiably destroyed. Israeli military officials, however, estimated that 70% of Iran’s launch capacity had been “neutralized.”

US President Donald Trump and senior Pentagon officials, including Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, continue to assert that Operation Epic Fury is achieving significant success, with long-range launches reportedly reduced by 90% since the operation commenced in late February.

In response to inquiries about the intelligence assessments, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told CNN that “anonymous sources desperately want to attack President Trump” and question the operation’s accomplishments.

The Pentagon is reportedly experiencing internal disagreements. On Thursday, several outlets reported that Hegseth had dismissed multiple high-ranking officials, including General Randy George, the Army’s top officer. A similar reshuffle took place in February, shortly before the US and Israel initiated strikes against Iran.