US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran’s missile stockpiles have been substantially depleted, estimating that Tehran now retains only around 21 to 22 per cent of its pre-war arsenal.
The remarks come amid continued regional tensions despite a nominal ceasefire, with Iran having recently launched multiple attacks towards neighbouring states in incidents that have kept security conditions volatile across the Gulf.
Speaking in an interview with NBC News, Trump said Iran continues to retain limited military capability, including drones, although he maintained that its missile capacity had been heavily reduced.
“They have some missiles, they have some drones. I would say, percentage wise, maybe 21, 22 percent of their missiles,” AFP quoted Trump saying.
His latest estimate marks a slight upward revision from a previous statement in May, when he suggested that Iran retained only around 18 per cent of its missile stockpile, underscoring shifting assessments from the US administration regarding Tehran’s remaining military strength.
Trump had previously repeatedly claimed that Iran’s military capabilities had been entirely destroyed during earlier phases of the conflict, comments that now appear to have been moderated in light of continuing Iranian activity in the region.
Meanwhile, Iran’s military has alleged that it fired “warning missiles” towards two United States destroyers operating in the Gulf of Oman, a claim that was swiftly rejected by the US military.
The conflicting accounts highlight the continuing lack of trust between both sides and the persistent risk of escalation in waters that remain strategically vital to global energy supplies and maritime trade.
Adding to the uncertainty, Kuwait said it had intercepted 30 ballistic missiles two days prior, which it described as part of what it called “heinous Iranian aggression”.
The series of incidents has raised further concerns over the stability of the fragile ceasefire arrangement, which has already been tested by repeated allegations of cross-border attacks and military provocations.
Although the truce remains formally in place, the latest developments underline the continuing volatility in the Gulf region, where even isolated incidents risk triggering wider confrontation between Iran, its neighbours and United States forces operating in the area. - June 6, 2026
