Iran rebuilds missile plants despite strikes — Bloomberg

Bloomberg reported Saturday that Iran has successfully restored its missile and drone manufacturing facilities, despite months of American and Israeli strikes. The report directly contradicts claims by the Trump administration that Iran's military-industrial infrastructure was completely destroyed.

According to the report, Western officials estimate that Tehran remains well-stocked with ballistic missiles and anti-ship weapons, and is capable of producing new missiles rapidly. Sources say Russia is supplying Iran with missiles and assistance in replenishing stocks, improving its military readiness.

The report points to escalation in the Persian Gulf. According to the British Navy, Tehran has increased attacks on vessels in the Hormuz Strait area, at least 10 vessels were hit during the past week. The strikes are carried out using missiles and drones that Iran manufactures in its facilities.

The report contradicts statements by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the White House, which claimed Iran's military-industrial infrastructure was completely destroyed in previous operations. Hegseth said this week during a reception for the crew of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln that "you made order" with the Iranian navy, adding: "We decided to share the ocean with the Iranian navy --- they got the bottom half."

President Donald Trump is avoiding escalation and refraining from ordering additional strikes ahead of the midterm elections in November. Trump posted a statement this week clarifying that the United States will not attack Iran at any stage before the midterm elections scheduled for November 3. "We are holding productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran," he wrote on Truth Social.

But after the Houthis struck an airport in Riyadh and killed 12 people, including an American citizen, Trump is now re-considering.

According to a New York Times report, the Pentagon has formulated a plan for a focused and intensive three-day operation against the missile systems, drones and energy facilities of the Revolutionary Guards. The plan includes strikes on Iran's missile and drone systems, energy facilities, and command infrastructure of the Revolutionary Guards. However, Trump remains hesitant and has recently rejected several proposals for a broad strike.

The Pentagon has instructed US Central Command (CENTCOM) to immediately complete preparations for resuming broad combat operations against Iran. American and Israeli sources have stated that renewed fighting may occur even before the midterm elections in the United States.