Iran retains access to most missile sites along strategic Hormuz waterway

Last updated: May 13, 2026 | 15:23

An Iranian Kheibarshekan missile at an undisclosed location in Iran. Iran has reportedly regained access to most missile sites overlooking the Strait of Hormuz, according to intelligence assessments cited by The New York Times. Gulf News file

Dubai: President Donald Trump said Iran’s military had been “decimated” after weeks of US-led strikes, but new intelligence assessments c ited by The New York Times suggest Tehran still retains enough missile capability to threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The report said classified US assessments found Iran has regained operational access to 30 of its 33 missile sites along the strategic waterway, raising concerns over the security of commercial shipping, oil tankers and US naval assets in the Gulf.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, with roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments passing through…