US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: US strikes Iran military targets, drones & missiles shot down over Kuwait – The Times of India

Iran has regained access to a large portion of its underground missile network after months of excavation and repair work, underscoring what analysts describe as the limitations of a bombing strategy focused on sealing tunnel entrances, according to a CNN report.

Satellite imagery reviewed by CNN showed that Iranian forces have reopened 50 of the 69 tunnel entrances struck by US and Israeli attacks across 18 underground missile facilities. The strikes were intended to restrict access to missile stockpiles by destroying access roads and burying key tunnel entrances.

The report said Iran used relatively basic equipment, including bulldozers and dump trucks, to remove debris and restore access. Repair efforts continued despite repeated strikes on excavation machinery during the conflict.

Experts cited by CNN said the developments highlight the resilience of Iran's missile infrastructure. Sam Lair, a research associate at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, said Iran remains capable of launching missiles as long as it retains operational launchers and trained crews.

“There is little preventing Iran from arming launchers with missiles from its existing stockpile, even if production has been disrupted,†Lair said.

According to CNN, although Iran's missile launch rate declined significantly during the conflict, Tehran continued firing missiles by gradually reopening access to critical facilities. Repair and excavation work has accelerated since the ceasefire more than seven weeks ago.

The report also noted that Iran has repaired roads damaged in the strikes, with satellite imagery showing that many bomb craters have been filled and some roadways repaved.

Lair said the campaign illustrated the difference between tactical and strategic outcomes, arguing that while the strikes temporarily disrupted Iran's missile operations, they may not have achieved a lasting strategic effect.

CNN further reported that Iran and the United States have reached a tentative agreement on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, although negotiations over implementation remain ongoing. Analysts warned that if hostilities resume, Iran could still retain significant missile-launch capabilities despite previous efforts to weaken its arsenal.

Asked about CNN's findings, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell did not address the specific assessment. Instead, he reiterated an earlier statement, saying the US military remains fully prepared to carry out operations whenever directed by the president.