US intelligence sources say claim Iran will 'soon' have missiles to hit US is not supported
Feb 27th 2026
President Trump warned Iran is building missiles that could soon reach the US, but US intelligence sources and a DIA assessment do not support a near-term ICBM threat, even as Iran’s regional missile arsenal and US military buildup raise tensions.
- President Trump said Iran is building missiles that will soon reach the United States, but US intelligence sources tell CNN that assertion is not backed by current intelligence.
- A 2025 unclassified Defense Intelligence Agency assessment said Iran could develop a militarily viable intercontinental ballistic missile by 2035 if it chose to pursue the capability.
- Current intelligence shows Iran has short range ballistic missiles that could threaten US bases and personnel in the region, not an ICBM able to strike the continental US in the near term.
- The White House has deployed its largest collection of military hardware to the Middle East since 2003 while officials weigh possible strikes and continue diplomacy with Tehran.
- Iranian officials deny developing long range missiles and independent experts and sources say rebuilding nuclear enrichment and weaponization capabilities will take far longer than some recent public claims.