Iranian missiles and drones have been attacking important energy facilities and other sites in Gulf countries and the Middle East for nearly three weeks since the conflict began on February 28. Neutralizing Iran’s missile and drone capabilities is a primary goal for both the U. S. and Israel, but this task could be very challenging.
Ballistic missiles, which are guided during ascent and fall freely for most of their flight, pose a significant threat to stability in the Middle East. These missiles can carry various warheads, including conventional explosives and potentially nuclear munitions. Although Iran denies plans to develop nuclear weapons, Western powers still view its missile arsenal as a possible delivery system for such weapons.
Iran possesses the largest stockpile of ballistic missiles in the region, with a self-imposed operational range of 2,000 km (1,240 miles), which allows them to target Israel. Many missile sites are located around Tehran, including several underground “missile cities” in various provinces. Key missile types in Iran’s arsenal include the Sejil, Emad, Ghadr, Shahab-3, Khorramshahr, and Hoveyzeh, with ranges varying up to 2,000 km. Reports from Iranian sources have mentioned even longer ranges for some models.
Iran has actively used its missiles, including during a 12-day war with Israel in June 2025, during which it launched strikes that resulted in casualties and damage. In response to U. S. participation in military actions, Iran targeted the U. S. Al Udeid air base in Qatar, but no injuries occurred due to prior warnings. Additional missile strikes have targeted other locations, including militants in Iraq and Syria, and Iran has been accused of carrying out attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
Iran claims these missiles serve as a deterrent against the U. S. and Israel. A recent report shows that Iran is building underground missile depots along with production facilities. The Iranian missile program incorporates designs from North Korea and Russia, supplemented by Chinese assistance. As of June 2023, Iran disclosed an advanced hypersonic missile, significantly increasing their technological capabilities.
The extent of Iran’s remaining missile arsenal is crucial to the ongoing conflict. U. S. officials suggest that much of Iran’s missile capacity has been severely impacted, although General Dan Caine noted that some capabilities still exist. Despite claims from Iranian sources that their stockpile has not diminished, ongoing military actions against their infrastructure might affect their ability to maintain missile supplies. Meanwhile, drone strikes can continue due to their production capabilities.
Currently, while the frequency of Iranian strikes has decreased, attacks on energy facilities and other strategic sites persist, posing ongoing risks to regional stability and global energy supplies.
(Production: Zainab Elhaj) Copyright: (c) 2026 Thomson Reuters
