Iran has resumed parts of its drone production programme at a pace faster than anticipated despite the fragile ceasefire declared in April, according to a CNN report citing US intelligence assessments and officials familiar with the matter.
The reported rebuilding effort has added to concerns in Washington and among regional allies that Tehran retains the capacity to rapidly restore military infrastructure damaged during the recent conflict. The assessment also appears to challenge repeated claims by the United States that Iran’s military capabilities had been significantly weakened during the confrontation.
According to CNN, US intelligence estimates suggest Iran could fully restore its drone attack capability within six months.
“The Iranians have exceeded all timelines the IC had for reconstitution,” a US official told CNN.
US concerns grow over Iran’s rebuilding efforts
The report said Iran has already begun replacing missile sites, launchers and production capacities tied to key weapons systems damaged during the conflict.
US officials quoted by CNN reportedly believe the speed of reconstruction signals that Iran continues to pose a strategic threat in West Asia despite the ceasefire.
The rebuilding effort has also renewed concerns among neighbouring countries, particularly over the possibility of retaliatory drone attacks if tensions escalate again between Washington and Tehran.
The report noted that Iran’s drone programme remains a major regional security concern because of Tehran’s ability to target adversaries and strategic infrastructure through long-range unmanned systems.
Russia, China support seen as key factor
According to one of the sources cited by CNN, Iran’s ability to rebuild faster than expected has partly been aided by support from Russia and China, along with assessments that US and Israeli strikes caused less long-term damage than initially projected.
CNN reported that China allegedly supplied Iran with components that could be used in missile production during the conflict, citing two sources familiar with US intelligence assessments. However, the report added that such supply lines may now have been affected by ongoing US blockade measures.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also alleged in an interview with CBS last week that China was providing Iran with “components of missile manufacturing”, though he did not elaborate further.
China has denied the allegations.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun dismissed the claims, saying they were “not based on facts”.
Pentagon says US military remains prepared
Responding to the developments, Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell told CNN that the US military remained fully prepared for any future scenario.
“America’s military is the most powerful in the world and has everything it needs to execute at the time and place of the President’s choosing,” Parnell said.
The latest intelligence assessment comes amid continuing uncertainty over the durability of the ceasefire and growing fears of another round of escalation in West Asia.