A fresh assessment by the Pentagon’s intelligence wing has found that Iran continues to retain its “key military capabilities”, contradicting earlier claims by top US officials that Tehran’s forces had been significantly degraded.

According to an NBC News report, the findings challenge statements made by US President Donald Trump and US secretary of war Pete Hegseth, who had suggested that Iran’s military had suffered irreversible damage.

The intelligence assessment instead indicates that Iran remains a “potent regional power,” casting doubt on claims that its “air force has been destroyed” and its “navy decimated”.

The development indicates a growing gap between the administration's public messaging and internal intelligence assessments, even as tensions in the Middle East remain high.

Ceasefire extended, blockade continues

The intelligence report comes as Trump announced an indefinite extension of the ceasefire with Iran, hours before its expiry, following a request from Pakistan’s leadership.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the US had “been asked to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal.”

He added that he had “directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able,” confirming that the truce would remain in place until negotiations conclude.

The US has maintained its blockade of Iranian ports, targeting Tehran’s key revenue channels, while insisting the move is essential to push for a deal.

Iran rejects US move, warns of escalation

Tehran, however, reacted sharply to the ceasefire extension. Mahdi Mohammadi, an adviser to Iran’s parliament speaker, said the move “means nothing” and argued that the “losing side cannot set the terms”.

He warned that “continuing the siege is no different from bombing and must be responded to militarily,” suggesting the extension could be a tactic to “buy time for a surprise strike.”

The latest tensions follow the collapse of earlier diplomatic efforts, including a “21-hour-long negotiation” in Islamabad that ended without a breakthrough.