Iran has maintained a persistent missile campaign against Israel and Gulf states despite sustained Israeli and US airstrikes that officials claim have destroyed much of its arsenal. Tehran has launched 400-500 ballistic missiles at Israel since the conflict began, while firing over 3,500 short-range missiles and drones at US allies across the Gulf, according to UK defense ministry figures.

Israeli and US officials estimate they've neutralized 70 percent of Iran's launchers and missile stockpile, though US sources suggest the actual figure may be closer to one-third. The remaining mobile launchers have proven disproportionately difficult to eliminate, with Iran's forces adapting to operate under severely constrained conditions including disrupted communications and targeted killings of senior commanders. Iran's strategy relies on decentralized "mosaic" defense, allowing local commanders autonomy to respond to attacks.

Despite the bombardment, Iran has demonstrated remarkable command and control, coordinating retaliatory strikes like the Dimona attack following Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities in Natanz. Israeli air defenses intercept about 90 percent of incoming projectiles, while daily launches have stabilized at seven to 15 missiles. Military analysts note Iran's forces can sustain this lower-intensity campaign indefinitely, with the regime calculating that simply holding out constitutes victory in this attritional conflict.