Iran has managed to unblock most of its underground missile sites that have been attacked by U.S. and Israeli forces since the war began on 28 February, CNN reported on 31 May.
The United States and Israel have tried to limit Iran’s access to its many underground bases, which have developed in recent decades by destroying nearby roads, blocking tunnel entrances and attacking excavation equipment.
Iran has worked to excavate these sites, but U.S.-Israeli strikes on the facilities have prevented Tehran from launching its missiles at full capacity.
However, citing satellite imagery, CNN reported that the truce, which took effect in early April, has allowed Iran to accelerate work to expand its underground bases, claiming that 50 of 69 tunnel entrances leading to 18 sites have been reopened.
Iran’s development of its missile programme is a major issue in the conflict, and both Washington and Tel Aviv are keen to limit Tehran’s capabilities.
Although President Donald Trump said on 30 May that the United States is moving closer to making a “very good deal” to end its three-month war with Iran, it is not yet clear whether negotiations between the two countries will succeed.
On 31 May, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirmed that talks were ongoing but warned against “speculation”, noting that Tehran could not assess the negotiation process until clear results were achieved.
Earlier, Trump threatened that the US could resume bombing Iran if there was no progress in the talks. CNN reported that Iran would also be ready to resume missile strikes if hostilities resume.