Iran ‘Digging Out’ Hidden Missiles, Drones During Ceasefire As Trump Rejected Peace Offer

Last Updated:May 01, 2026, 23:14 IST

Iran uses ceasefire to recover hidden missiles, launchers and drones after US and Israeli strikes, as Trump prepares for prolonged confrontation and talks remain stalled.

Iran is reportedly using the ongoing ceasefire period to recover weapons hidden underground or buried beneath debris following earlier US and Israeli strikes, as Tehran works to quickly rebuild its military capabilities amid fears of renewed conflict.

According to a report by NBC News, Iranian authorities have intensified efforts in recent days to retrieve missiles, launchers and drones from concealed storage sites and bombed facilities. The report cited a US official and two sources familiar with the matter, who said the operation is part of a broader attempt to restore Iran’s missile and drone arsenal in case US President Donald Trump resumes military action.

The report said Iran had likely protected significant portions of its arsenal before the conflict escalated by dispersing weapons across multiple locations and using decoys to avoid destruction. Some stockpiles were reportedly hidden underground or buried under rubble during the strikes.

The developments come as ceasefire negotiations remain stalled and concerns grow over the possibility of another round of fighting in West Asia.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth recently suggested Washington was closely monitoring Iran’s military movements.

“We know what military assets you are moving and where you are moving them to," Hegseth said during remarks at the Pentagon on April 16.

“While you are digging out, which is exactly what you’re doing, digging out of bombed-out and devastated facilities, we are only getting stronger," he added. “You are digging out your remaining launchers and missiles with no ability to replace them."

Despite repeated claims from the White House and Pentagon that Iran’s military has been significantly weakened, intelligence assessments cited by NBC News suggested Tehran still retains substantial military capacity.

According to the report, Iran continues to possess a large portion of its ballistic missile inventory, more than half of its air force and over half of the naval assets operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

At the same time, Tehran has also attempted to revive diplomatic talks with Washington. Iranian state media outlet IRNA reported that Iran recently sent a fresh proposal for negotiations to the US through Pakistan, with the document delivered in Islamabad on Friday.

However, Trump indicated he was not satisfied with Tehran’s latest offer.

“At this moment I’m not satisfied with what they’re offering," he told reporters, signalling continued deadlock despite weeks of ceasefire efforts.

Meanwhile, tensions over the Strait of Hormuz continue to affect global trade and energy markets. Iran has maintained pressure by restricting movement through the strategic waterway, while the US has reportedly responded with a counter-blockade targeting Iranian ports.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump has directed officials to prepare for a prolonged confrontation that could last for months, a scenario that has already contributed to rising global oil prices and concerns over supply disruptions.

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