**Title: Israel Alarmed by Rapid Recovery of Iran’s Military Capabilities**
Israeli defense officials have expressed concern over the swift recovery of Iran's military capabilities following extensive bombardments by the United States and Israel. According to a report by the Jerusalem Post, senior Israeli military sources have been taken aback by the speed at which Iran has restored its arsenal, particularly in the wake of heavy airstrikes earlier this year.
In a recent statement, Brigadier General Mohammad-Reza Naqdi, a senior adviser to the chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), claimed that Iran's production of ballistic missiles and drones is outpacing their deployment. He emphasized that even if military conflicts persist for several years, Iran's missile capabilities will continue to pose a significant threat to its adversaries.
The Jerusalem Post article indicates that Israeli intelligence has verified the claims made by Iranian officials regarding the acceleration of arms production. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had previously asserted that Iran's defense industry had suffered significant setbacks due to approximately 30,000 airstrikes targeting over 2,600 military and missile facilities during the peak of hostilities from late February to early April.
Despite these assertions, both the IDF and the Mossad intelligence agency have acknowledged that they underestimated Tehran's ability to replenish its stockpiles of ballistic missiles and other key military assets. Reports suggest that Iranian forces have not only gained access to underground missile sites that were targeted during the airstrikes but have also employed innovative methods to rebuild their arsenals.
Israeli officials have warned that if Iran continues to manufacture between 100 to 300 missiles per month, it could become a formidable threat to Israel by 2028. This potential development is likely to influence Israel's strategic planning regarding future military actions against Iran.
When contacted for further comment, an Israeli military spokesperson stated that it is challenging to provide specific evaluations regarding the pace of Iran's military rehabilitation, as doing so could compromise IDF sources and methods. The spokesperson affirmed that the IDF would continue to monitor developments closely and prepare accordingly.
Since June, Israel has refrained from launching military operations against Iran, although tensions remain high, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz. This vital waterway, which is crucial for global oil and liquefied natural gas trade, has seen a dramatic decrease in shipping traffic, with reports indicating that only eight vessels are currently navigating the strait daily, compared to the pre-conflict average of 130 to 140 ships.
U.S. President Donald Trump recently claimed that American forces maintain "total control" over the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iranian officials have contested this assertion, insisting that the strait remains under Iran's control and will remain closed until the U.S. alters its approach.
As the situation evolves, Israeli defense officials are likely to continue reassessing their strategies in light of Iran's rapid military recovery and the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.