US Intel Finds Iran Restored Missile Sites as Trump Vows to 'Finish the Job'

A classified U.S. intelligence assessment has revealed that Iran has successfully restored operational access to approximately 30 key missile facilities. These sites were previously targeted by U.S. and Israeli airstrikes at the onset of the conflict on February 28, 2026. The report, which surfaced on May 13, suggests that Tehran’s retaliatory potential remains significant, contradicting prior Pentagon assertions that the Iranian missile network had been almost entirely degraded. This development has prompted a reassessment of escalation risks within Washington as the conflict enters its 11th week. On the diplomatic front, President Donald Trump maintained a hardline stance while traveling to China on May 12, asserting that the United States would "finish the job" against Iran through either peaceful or military means. Despite Iranian officials responding defiantly and claiming a "rightful" regional position, Trump indicated he does not believe the U.S. requires international assistance to resolve the standoff. Meanwhile, regional analysts are beginning to forecast an eventual U.S. retreat, citing a lack of a clear path to regime change and Iran's continued de facto control over the Strait of Hormuz. The current stalemate suggests a potential long-term shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics. If the conflict ends without decisive U.S. gains, experts predict Iran may emerge with an enhanced deterrent posture and a more dominant influence over Gulf shipping lanes. This shift could lead to accelerated normalization between Tehran and neighboring Gulf states, potentially sidelining U.S.-led security frameworks and Israeli coordination in the region.