Kathmandu— Israeli defense officials have expressed shock at the rapid pace of recovery in Iran’s military capabilities since heavy bombardment by US and Israeli forces earlier this year, according to a report from the Jerusalem Post. The assessment comes after months of claims that Iranian defense industries were significantly set back by over 30,000 strikes targeting missile and industrial sites between late February and early April. However, both the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Mossad intelligence agency now acknowledge they underestimated Tehran’s ability to restore its stockpiles.

Iranian Production Capacity

A senior advisor to the commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Brigadier General Mohammad-Reza Naqdi, stated earlier this week that Iranian production of ballistic missiles and drones is exceeding deployment rates. He told Press TV that even if conflict persists for years, “our ballistic missiles will continue to rain down on the enemy.” The Jerusalem Post independently confirmed these statements regarding accelerated arms production within Iran.

IDF Assessment Shifts

The IDF had previously asserted that Iran’s defense industry suffered setbacks spanning several years due to US and Israeli attacks. However, officials now admit they did not anticipate such a swift restoration of Iranian military assets. According to the Jerusalem Post report, Iranians have not only accessed underground missile sites affected by airstrikes but also developed innovative methods for rebuilding their arsenals.

Potential Future Threat

The Jerusalem Post suggests that if Iran maintains its current production rate of 100 to 300 missiles per month, it could pose a significant threat to Israel as early as 2028. This possibility is expected to influence Israeli strategic planning regarding potential future military action against Iran. An IDF spokesperson declined to provide specific evaluations of the Iranian recovery pace, citing concerns about exposing sources and methods, but affirmed that the IDF will continue analysis and preparation.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions

While Israel has refrained from direct military action against Iran since June, tensions remain high in the Strait of Hormuz. Traffic through this vital waterway—which handles approximately 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade—has decreased to eight ships per day following reports of attacks on vessels, down from a pre-conflict level of 130-140 ships daily. Both Washington and Tehran have asserted control over the strait, with US President Donald Trump claiming “total control” and Iran maintaining it remains under their “control and management.”

The ongoing standoff between the United States and Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz continues alongside concerns about Iran’s military recovery, suggesting a complex and evolving security landscape in the region.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.