Iran Asserts Readiness for Long War, Claims Missile Capabilities Fully Restored
The war between the United States and Iran has entered an increasingly unpredictable phase. US President Donald Trump has stated that the conflict is likely to end shortly after the November mid-term elections, but reports from within his own administration suggest Washington is preparing for a much grimmer possibility: that the war could persist until the end of Trump’s term in January 202lar.
In Tehran, the signals being sent are far from any sign of surrender. A senior Iranian official stated that the country has rebuilt part of its military capabilities and now possesses missile supplies deemed sufficient to face a prolonged conflict.
An Iranian official, speaking to Bloomberg on condition of anonymity, said that Tehran does not plan to back down due to the American naval blockade or attacks on Iranian tankers. According to the official, the restoration of missile capabilities took place after the intensity of fighting had temporarily decreased in April.
These claims have not been independently verified in their entirety. However, recent reports regarding the resumption of Iranian ballistic missile production provide an indication that Tehran’s capabilities have not been completely neutralised.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran is once again producing ballistic missiles by utilising remaining component supplies and underground facilities. While production remains limited by damaged facilities and blockades hindering supplies, the capability demonstrates that Iran’s missile programme has not ceased.
Trump: They Cannot Hold Out
Trump provided a far more optimistic outlook when speaking to journalists ahead of the Republican National Convention in Dallas. He linked the end of the war to the American mid-term elections on 3 November.
“I think the war will end shortly after the election because they cannot hold out any longer. They are very desperate to try to influence the election,” Trump said, as reported by Reuters on Wednesday, 9 September 2026.
Trump accused Iran of deliberately maintaining the war to influence the Congressional election results. However, so far, there is no public evidence to suggest that Tehran is intentionally determining the duration of the war based on the American election calendar.
Trump’s statements come at a time when the war has been ongoing for approximately seven months without any clear sign of a political resolution. The conflict began on 28 February 2026 and has since evolved from attacks on military facilities into a struggle over energy routes, tankers, American bases, and the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump stated that negotiations with Iran remain possible. However, he emphasised that negotiation is not an option that Washington is currently pursuing.