TEHRAN, June 11, 2026 — Iranian officials asserted today that the country’s military strength has grown substantially since the outbreak of the 2026 war with Israel and the United States, despite reports of heavy degradation from months of strikes.
According to a statement highlighted by BRICS News and other outlets, senior Iranian figures, including advisers to the leadership, declared: “We now possess military capabilities far greater than what we had when this war started.” The claim was accompanied by an image of Mohammad Mokhber, a key adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader.
The war erupted on February 28, 2026, when U.S. and Israeli forces launched Operation Epic Fury, conducting nearly 900 strikes in the first 12 hours alone. Targets included Iranian missile sites, air defenses, nuclear facilities, military infrastructure, and leadership. The initial assault reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other top officials.
Western assessments, including from the U.S. State Department and think tanks, indicate that the campaign severely degraded Iran’s capabilities:
- Destruction of over 85% of Iran’s ballistic missile, drone, and naval industrial base.
- Significant losses to naval assets, air defenses, and launch infrastructure.
- Reduced ability to arm regional proxies.
Iran has responded with hundreds of missiles and drones, while maintaining control over key chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz as leverage. Ceasefire attempts have been fragile, with sporadic escalations continuing into June 2026.
Iranian leaders frame the conflict as aggression by the U.S. and Israel, vowing unified resistance through the “Axis of Resistance.” Officials emphasize resilience, rapid reconstitution of forces, and unused “winning cards,” including advanced production and asymmetric tactics. They dismiss U.S. and Israeli claims of victory, stating that threats and sanctions have failed to break Iran’s resolve.
This latest assertion comes as diplomatic efforts for a peace deal remain stalled, with both sides issuing warnings of further escalation.
Analysts note a stark contrast between Iranian claims of rebuilding and Western reports of attrition. The situation remains highly fluid, with potential for renewed strikes affecting global energy markets and regional stability.
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