Iran Rebuilds Military Capability Faster Than Expected, Restarts Some Drone Production

Iran is restoring its military-industrial base damaged by US and Israeli airstrikes faster than expected and has already resumed part of its drone production, CNN reported on May 21, citing US intelligence assessments.

Multiple sources told CNN that Iran has been rapidly rebuilding missile bases, launchers and facilities producing key weapons systems as a ceasefire that began last month holds.

One official said some intelligence assessments indicate Iran could fully restore its drone attack capability in as little as six months. The recovery has outpaced every timeline the US intelligence community had projected, the official added.

That could allow Iran to again pose a major threat to US allies in the region if President Donald Trump resumes bombing the country. Iran's missile production capacity has weakened from prewar levels, but if fighting resumes it could expand drone attacks against Israel and Gulf states.

CNN said support from China and Russia was one reason Iran was able to restore its military capability so quickly. Sources said China continued supplying Iran with components that could be used to manufacture missiles even during the war.

CNN had previously reported that US intelligence agencies assessed about half of Iran's missile launchers survived US airstrikes. A more recent assessment raised that figure to about two-thirds. Sources said Iran had time during the ceasefire to dig out launchers that had been buried.

Gen. Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, testified before Congress on May 19 that 90% of Iran's defense industrial base had been destroyed and could not be restored for years. Sources said that account does not align with US intelligence assessments.

Park Su-rim, Hankyung.com reporter paksr365@hankyung.com