Remaining Military Targets in Iran Far Harder to Strike (NBC)

As the Trump administration pushes for a diplomatic deal to end the conflict with Iran and claims U.S. strikes have devastated Tehran’s military capabilities, the Pentagon has prepared a list of additional targets for potential renewed combat operations. However, most of these remaining targets are significantly more difficult to locate and destroy, according to U.S. officials and national security experts.

If President Trump decides to resume major combat operations, the bulk of leftover Iranian assets are underground, hidden, dispersed, or mobile — including ballistic missiles, launchers, and related systems that can be quickly relocated or concealed using decoys. This marks a sharp increase in complexity compared to the earlier phases of the campaign, which focused on more fixed, high-value sites like naval vessels, air defenses, production facilities, and overt command centers.

NBC News reports that Iran has adapted by burying munitions, dispersing forces, and employing mobility tactics during the current ceasefire period. Intelligence indicates Iranian forces have been actively digging out and repositioning previously buried or damaged assets.

The article, published late Tuesday, highlights a contrast in messaging: While administration officials assert that Iran’s navy, air force, and key missile infrastructure have been largely neutralized, sources caution that fully eliminating surviving capabilities would require far more challenging strikes. These could involve extensive intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance efforts to track moving or concealed targets.

The report comes amid ongoing negotiations over reopening the Strait of Hormuz and broader ceasefire terms. Trump has indicated a willingness to strike again if diplomacy fails, while emphasizing that a deal remains his preference. The situation remains fluid, with both sides continuing high-stakes posturing.