Iranian military officials say Iran used the ceasefire with the United States to repair damaged systems, add equipment and accelerate missile production. The claims come as Tehran and Oman negotiate possible shipping arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington presses for a deal to reopen the strategic waterway.
The military buildup has not ended diplomacy, but it underscores how fragile the pause in fighting remains. A June memorandum called for an end to hostilities, the reopening of Hormuz and 60 days of negotiations, yet renewed attacks and disagreements over control of shipping lanes have strained that framework.
At a glance:
- Iranian officials say missile production increased during the ceasefire.
- Iran’s acting defence minister said drone production reached three times its pre-war level, without giving figures.
- The June US-Iran memorandum linked the ceasefire to reopening the Strait of Hormuz and further negotiations.
- A potential Iran-Oman shipping arrangement remains under discussion and is not yet final.
What Iran says it achieved during the pause
Army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia said Iran made “maximum use” of the ceasefire and related memorandum by inducting available equipment, importing new systems, repairing damaged assets and manufacturing replacements. He also said new-generation drones had been used in combat, although officials have not released their specifications or independent evidence of their battlefield performance.
Related coverage: Iran and Oman Exchange Proposals on Managing the Strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Acting Defence Minister Majid Ebn-e Reza separately said missile and drone production continued without interruption, while drone production reached three times its pre-war level. He did not provide a baseline or production figures. IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebbi said missile production speed and accuracy also improved during the ceasefire, according to Tasnim.
Why the claims matter for the ceasefire
The statements indicate that Tehran viewed the pause not only as a diplomatic opening but also as time to restore military capacity after months of fighting. They do not establish how much equipment Iran lost, how quickly damaged facilities recovered or how many missiles and drones remain operational; Iranian authorities have not published a full inventory.
The United States and Iran agreed in June to halt hostilities and pursue negotiations linked to Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear program. Reuters reported that the arrangement was later tested by strikes and counterstrikes, with both sides accusing the other of violations. That history makes claims of continued preparation especially significant for any renewed talks.
More context: Iran Attacks Tankers in Hormuz Strait as US War Efforts Stall.
What happens next in the Strait of Hormuz
Iran is discussing possible safe inbound and outbound shipping lanes with Oman, according to Iranian officials cited by The Associated Press. One reported concept would use an Iranian-controlled route for ships entering the Persian Gulf and an Omani-controlled route for departures, but officials stressed that negotiations remain incomplete and the final arrangement could change.
Washington has rejected any settlement that gives Iran control over the waterway or allows tolls, while Tehran says any plan must respect its sovereignty and security concerns. President Donald Trump has described reopening the strait as the first phase of a possible agreement, followed by longer negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. No final deal had been announced as of August 4, 2026.
Also read: US halts airstrikes on Iran after nearly two weeks of conflict in the Strait of Hormuz.
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