Lauge Risom Koch 
US intelligence assessments reportedly indicate that Iran has already resumed parts of its drone production programme and is rebuilding military capabilities faster than expected.
Iran has reportedly resumed parts of its drone manufacturing programme only weeks after a temporary ceasefire began, according to new US intelligence assessments.
Officials familiar with the reports say Tehran is rebuilding military capabilities faster than initially expected despite recent US and Israeli strikes.
Drone production resumes
According to Digi24, citing CNN, Iran restarted some drone production during a six-week truce that began in early April.
US intelligence sources told the outlet that Tehran is rebuilding sections of its military infrastructure damaged during recent attacks.
One US official said intelligence estimates suggest Iran could fully restore its drone strike capabilities within six months.
“The Iranians have exceeded all the deadlines that the IC had for reconstitution,” the official told CNN.
Regional concerns
The rapid rebuilding effort has raised concerns among US allies in the Middle East.
According to CNN, officials fear Iran could compensate for weakened missile production by expanding drone attacks against Israel and Gulf states if fighting resumes.
The report said Tehran still retains large portions of its ballistic missile, drone and air defence capabilities despite recent military strikes.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned that military operations against Iran could resume if negotiations fail.
Foreign support
Sources cited by CNN claimed Iran’s recovery has been aided in part by support from Russia and China.
US intelligence reportedly believes China continued supplying components that could be used in missile production throughout the conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently accused China of providing Iran with “missile manufacturing components”, though Beijing denied the allegation.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun described the accusation as “groundless”.
Conflicting assessments
According to CNN, recent intelligence reports suggest Iran’s military capabilities were damaged but not destroyed during the conflict.
Some US officials reportedly estimate that around two-thirds of Iran’s missile launchers remain operational or recoverable.
The report also stated that thousands of Iranian drones and significant numbers of coastal defence cruise missiles remain intact.
However, CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper recently claimed that 90 percent of Iran’s defence industrial base had been destroyed, a figure that reportedly conflicts with intelligence assessments reviewed by CNN.
Sources: Digi24, CNN
