In a recent video on Fox News on Wednesday May 13, 2026, Security analyst Jim Hanson cast doubt on recent reports about the size of Iran’s remaining missile arsenal, arguing that intelligence assessments vary widely and that some media outlets may be emphasizing worst-case scenarios.
Speaking during a televised interview, Hanson said estimates regarding Iran’s missile capabilities are far from precise because intelligence agencies are working with incomplete information.
“It’s possible it’s true,” Hanson said of recent reports on Iran’s missile stockpile. “But what they do, when they do an assessment like that, they have a high estimate and a low estimate and that range is massive because our intelligence on what they have is not that great.”
Hanson suggested that even Iranian officials may not fully understand the current state of their own arsenal following months of regional tensions and military activity.
“The Iranians at this point do not really even know what they have,” he said.
His comments came in response to figures reported by major media outlets, including The New York Times, regarding the number of missiles Iran may still possess. Hanson argued that such reports often focus on the most alarming projections rather than presenting the broader range of intelligence estimates.
“If you look at the numbers The New York Times reported, I’m sure if those are accurate at all, they are the highest worst-case scenario,” Hanson said. “Then the Times just reports that like that’s the most accurate number.”
According to Hanson, intelligence estimates typically include both upper and lower ranges, with the true figure likely falling somewhere between the two.
“There’s a much lower number at the bottom of that and the reality may be somewhere in the middle,” he said.
Despite acknowledging that Iran still retains some missile capability, Hanson argued that the remaining arsenal may not be sufficient to decisively alter the regional balance of power.
“They’ve got some missiles left but not enough to win,” he said.
The debate over Iran’s missile inventory comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and growing concerns among Western and Israeli officials about Tehran’s military capabilities. Analysts continue to assess the extent of Iran’s remaining stockpile as regional powers weigh possible responses to ongoing security threats…….See More
Leave a Reply