US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran retains only about 21% to 22% of its missile arsenal after weeks of regional military tensions and missile exchanges. The statement is significant because it offers Washington’s latest assessment of Iran’s military capabilities amid ongoing conflict and stalled diplomacy. The remarks affect regional security calculations as efforts to secure a broader agreement remain deadlocked.
Speaking in an interview with NBC News, Trump said Iran still possesses missiles and drones despite sustaining significant losses. He estimated that Tehran has roughly 21% to 22% of its missile stockpile remaining. The figure is slightly higher than an estimate he provided in May, when he suggested Iran retained about 18% of its missile inventory. Trump has previously argued that Iran’s military capabilities have been severely degraded.
Read more: US says Iran launched missiles toward Kuwait and Bahrain
The comments came after Iran’s military announced that it had fired what it described as warning missiles toward two US destroyers operating in the Gulf of Oman. American military officials quickly rejected the claim and denied that such an incident had occurred. The competing narratives reflect the heightened tensions that continue to shape relations between Tehran and Washington.
Regional concerns have intensified following a series of missile launches and security incidents. Earlier this week, Kuwaiti authorities said they intercepted 30 ballistic missiles that they attributed to Iranian aggression. The developments have raised fears of further escalation despite the existence of a fragile ceasefire that has been repeatedly tested by military actions and accusations from multiple sides.
Read more: Talks between US and Iran continue — but doubts remain
Trump said diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain difficult but insisted Iran would ultimately need to reach an agreement. He described Iranian leaders as strong and proud while suggesting that mounting pressure could force policy changes. Despite weeks of negotiations, threats, and periodic flare-ups, no comprehensive settlement has yet emerged to reduce tensions across the region.