The Iranian Regime's Missile "Megacities" are a Growing Threat for the U.S. and its Allies
Despite years of sanctions and recent large-scale attacks on Israel, Iran has preserved a missile arsenal hidden in underground bases, one that experts say is growing more precise and elusive
The Islamic Republic of Iran has built a vast network of underground bases filled with ballistic missiles and drones, allowing it to threaten targets across the Middle East and beyond. Analysts have asserted that even if the U.S. or Israel were to launch a surprise military strike, many of Iran’s missiles would likely survive and be used in retaliation. While Iran’s nuclear program gets most of the attention, experts argue its missile forces are just as dangerous—and much harder to eliminate quickly. According to retired Israeli Navy officer Dr. Eyal Pinko, Iran still has “several hundred” missiles despite having launched massive salvos at Israel in 2024. The country continues to improve its missile accuracy and ability to avoid detection, making the threat more complex
A Hidden Arsenal Underground
Iran’s missile power is anchored in more than two dozen underground facilities—what some call “missile megacities.” These fortified bases are located throughout western Iran and contain extensive tunnel networks, hidden silos, and mobile launchers. According to satellite imagery and analysis cited by The Maritime Executive, the Kermanshah site alone has over 60 tunnel entrances. Each facility is built to protect missiles from airstrikes and allow for rapid launch and reloading. As noted by Dr. Pinko, Iran can prepare and launch a missile within minutes, then quickly hide the launcher underground again, making it very difficult to target during a fast-moving operation.
What Kind of Missiles Does Iran Have?
The Islamic Republic of Iran’s arsenal includes a range of missile types with different ranges and purposes. According to footage aired by Iranian state media in March 2025, missiles like the Ghadr, Emad, Haj Qassem, Kheibar Shekan, and the long-range Khorramshahr-4 are housed in these underground facilities. Iran also uses kamikaze drones and cruise missiles such as the Shahed-136B and Paveh, which have seen action in attacks on Israel and elsewhere. According to Dr. Pinko, Iran has developed warheads that split mid-air and include dummy components to confuse radar systems like Israel’s Arrow and David’s Sling. These adaptations are part of what he sees as Iran’s effort to “understand and exploit the limitations” of advanced missile defense.
How the U.S. Is Preparing
In response to growing threats, the U.S. has moved key military assets into position. As reported by former Israeli fighter pilot Naftali Hazony, at least six B-2 Spirit stealth bombers are now stationed at Diego Garcia, a remote base over 2,000 miles from Iran. These bombers are the only aircraft capable of carrying the GBU-57 bunker-buster bomb—one of the few weapons that could penetrate Iran’s heavily fortified nuclear sites like Natanz or Fordow. Hazony notes that the location of Diego Garcia is ideal: close enough to strike deep into Iran, but far enough to give U.S. forces time to intercept any incoming missile attacks. The B-2s are supported by nine KC-135 refueling aircraft, giving them the range to launch from almost any direction. Hazony also points out that over 100 U.S. fighter jets are stationed in the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and aboard the USS Truman—making a broad and fast assault possible if needed.
Iran’s Strategy to Prepare, Survive, & Retaliate
Iranian leaders have signaled that they are ready to respond if attacked. According to Iranian state media and video footage released in late March, missiles are now loaded and on standby across all major underground missile facilities. The IRGC Aerospace Force commander, Brig. Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, and Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri were shown touring one of these sites, boasting that Iran’s retaliatory capability is now “ten times stronger” than in past operations. Jonathan Ruhe, a defense analyst at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America, believes Iran is now prioritizing quality over quantity. In his assessment, Iran is working to make its warheads more accurate and more likely to penetrate Israeli defenses by maneuvering mid-flight and using saturation attacks on specific high-value targets.
New Sanctions Target Iran’s Missile Machine
On April 1, the U.S. Department of State announced new sanctions on individuals and companies in Iran, the UAE, and China accused of helping Iran acquire parts for its drone and missile programs. According to the official press release, the targeted entities were part of complex international networks designed to evade sanctions and obtain sensitive technology. These measures are part of President Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign, aimed at limiting Iran’s ability to arm itself and its proxies across the region. The U.S. government claims Iran’s weapons have been used not only against Israel and Gulf countries, but also exported to Russia and terrorist groups throughout the Middle East.
What Could Happen Next?
According to Dr. Pinko, defeating the Iranian regime’s missile network would require detailed intelligence about tunnel entrances, launch pads, and underground routes, as well as repeated strikes using bunker-penetrating weapons. Ruhe agrees, stating that missile cities are likely top targets in any future confrontation, but warns that any attempt to destroy them fully would need to be part of a multi-day campaign.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has remained defiant. As Hazony points out, in 2023 Khamenei publicly declared, “Death to America is not just a slogan—it is a policy.” With indirect negotiations reportedly continuing behind the scenes, Iran’s leadership seems determined to keep building its missile force regardless of outside pressure. Whether diplomacy succeeds or fails, U.S. and Israeli leaders are preparing for the possibility that military action may still be needed.
