According to a report by The Times Of Israel on May 18, 2026, Iran has reportedly spent the past month of a ceasefire with the United States and Israel preparing for a possible return to hostilities by repositioning ballistic missile launchers and restoring damaged military infrastructure.
A report published by The New York Times, citing an anonymous US military official, stated that since the ceasefire began on April 8, Iran has attempted to rebuild parts of its missile program that were hit during earlier strikes. The official said Iranian forces worked to “dig out scores of bombed ballistic missile sites, move mobile missile launchers, and, despite significant losses, adjust its tactics for any resumption of strikes.”
The report noted that American attacks targeted key missile facilities during the conflict but did not completely eliminate Iran’s launch capabilities. According to the official, many of the launchers survived because they had been stored deep inside underground caves designed to withstand airstrikes and other attacks.
The official explained that US strikes mainly damaged the entrances and external structures of the missile sites, while some equipment buried underground remained protected. Iranian forces have reportedly focused on recovering and relocating those launchers to strengthen readiness in case fighting resumes.
The developments come amid continued tensions in the region despite the ceasefire agreement reached last month. Military analysts have warned that both sides remain cautious, with concerns that renewed attacks or miscalculations could quickly lead to another escalation.