Report: Iran Is Using the Ceasefire to Rebuild Its Missile Network

A U.S. military official told "The New York Times" overnight (between Monday and Tuesday) that Iran used the past month’s ceasefire to restore dozens of ballistic missile sites that were damaged during the war. In addition, it moved mobile missile launchers and readjusted its methods of operation in preparation for the possibility that fighting could resume.

The report comes in the wake of an announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said last night that he had decided to postpone a planned American attack on Iran. U.S. officials made clear that it cannot be ruled out that this is a deceptive move.

According to the official, during the five weeks of war Iran suffered significant blows, but managed to preserve some of its strategic capabilities: "Many of Iran’s ballistic missiles were launched from deep underground tunnels and from facilities carved into mountains, in a way that made them very difficult for American aircraft to destroy." He said the United States focused mainly on striking the entrances to the facilities, causing them to collapse, but did not succeed in destroying all of the infrastructure. According to that same official, Iran has already managed to uncover again a large portion of the sites that were hit.

The report also claimed that Iranian commanders studied the operational patterns of the U.S. Air Force, and may even have received help from Russia in doing so. The same official added that although the campaign led to the killing of several Iranian commanders and leaders, it also "created a tougher and more resilient adversary."

An expert quoted in "The New York Times" estimated that Iran is preparing for a short but high-intensity confrontation. According to him, "It is expected to launch dozens or even hundreds of missiles a day," with possible focus on energy infrastructure, refineries, and ports in Gulf states. Another scenario mentioned was an attempt to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait through the Houthis.

Against the backdrop of the report, Trump revealed last night that he had planned to carry out an attack on Iran as soon as tomorrow, but decided to pause the move בעקבות diplomatic contacts and pressure from regional leaders: "I was asked by the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, and the President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohammed bin Zayed, to stop our planned military attack against the Islamic Republic of Iran, which was supposed to go forward tomorrow."

The president later told reporters at the White House: "We were prepared for a major attack but we postponed it, maybe forever, but at least for now — because we are having serious discussions with Iran." He added: "Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries asked me to delay the attack by two or three days because they believe they are close to signing an agreement. I updated Israel on the decision. If we can reach an agreement in which Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons — we will probably be satisfied."