US Intelligence Estimates Iran Has Up to 2,500 Missiles, Contradicting Trump's Claims
US intelligence agencies estimate that Iran possesses between 1,500 and 2,500 missiles, according to reports. This assessment contradicts President Donald Trump's assertion that Iran's military capabilities have been effectively decimated.
On November 14, the Wall Street Journal reported that US intelligence agencies believe Iran retains significant military capabilities to strike the US and its allies in the Middle East if a full-scale war resumes. The Israeli military also assesses Iran's missile stockpile to be over 1,500.
Earlier this year, the US and Israel destroyed many of Iran's missile production facilities during airstrikes following the outbreak of conflict in February. However, US intelligence indicates that Iran is gradually replenishing its arsenal using previously stockpiled components, albeit at a slower pace than before the war.
Simon Liddin, who served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East during the Trump administration, noted that even the lower estimate of 1,500 missiles suggests Iran has recovered more than half of its pre-war stockpile.
Iran Resumes Attacks on US Bases in the Middle East After Two Months
As US-Iran ceasefire negotiations stall, Iran has resumed attacks on US military facilities in the Middle East after a two-month hiatus, targeting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
On November 15, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it had attacked a US military base in Bahrain using drones to target its air defense radar system.
The IRGC claimed in a statement posted on Telegram that six drones from its aerospace division struck the US air defense radar system at the Al Udeid helicopter base in Bahrain.
Threats are also emerging at sea. The Iranian state news agency IRNA reported on November 14 that three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz caught fire after hitting naval mines, according to the IRGC Navy. The IRGC stated that these vessels were using unauthorized routes without navigation systems and claimed they exploded after inadvertently passing through a prohibited area.
However, Reuters reported that it could not independently verify the IRGC's claims.
Minister Kim Jeong-gwan Calls Extension of Oil Price Cap Inevitable
The government has extended the oil price cap for another four weeks, with Minister of Industry and Trade Kim Jeong-gwan explaining that it was an unavoidable measure considering the burden on consumers.
On November 15, Minister Kim shared his views on social media regarding the extension of the oil price cap, which was decided on November 13, outlining its background, limitations, and future policy direction.
Initially implemented in March due to instability in the Middle East, the oil price cap has now been in place for nine months. Kim stated that the decision to extend was not easy, emphasizing that the government is limiting market pricing while bearing financial burdens. He noted that this system cannot continue indefinitely.
He identified the ongoing instability in the Middle East as a key reason for not lifting the cap. While he acknowledged some expectations of stabilization due to recent declines in international oil prices, he cautioned that it is too early to feel secure and that the potential for further deterioration remains.
Kim expressed concern about the economic impact of abruptly ending the cap, stating, "Above all, I worry about the burden that citizens would have to bear if we end the price cap now. Rising fuel prices do not stop at gas stations; they lead to increased logistics and production costs, which could burden ordinary citizens, small businesses, and companies alike."
New National Safety Secretary Appointed from Police Agency
Kim Sung-jae, the spokesperson for the National Police Agency, has been appointed as the new National Safety Secretary under the Blue House.
On November 15, political sources reported that the Blue House has selected Kim to succeed Lee Jong-won, the inaugural National Safety Secretary.
Kim is expected to start working at the Blue House as early as November 16.
Having been promoted to police chief in September, Kim is transitioning to this new role just two months after taking on the spokesperson duties.
Lee Jong-won, the former National Safety Secretary, is anticipated to return to the police organization after being promoted to the rank of police commissioner.
Zelensky: US Asked If Ukraine Would Withdraw from Donbas for NATO Membership
In ongoing US-mediated ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, a proposal has emerged to exchange Ukraine's NATO membership for a withdrawal from the eastern Donbas region. Ukraine, which has maintained a firm stance against territorial concessions, indicated it might consider this option if it receives solid security guarantees.
On November 14, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters that he was asked by US representatives during recent negotiations whether Ukraine would withdraw from Donbas if it joined NATO.
Zelensky stated, "This is the first time such a question has been raised by the US." He reaffirmed that Ukraine has no intention of withdrawing its military from the Donbas region and will not recognize Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory as part of Russia. However, he expressed willingness to consult the public on this matter if comprehensive security guarantees, a strong military presence, and post-war reconstruction funding are assured by NATO and the European Union.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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