New US Intelligence Reports: A More Confident Iran Weighing Escalation
US intelligence reports indicate that Iran has grown more confident in its military capabilities following six months of conflict with the US and may be contemplating a significant escalation, according to The New York Times.
Citing individuals who have reviewed recent US intelligence reports, the newspaper states that Iran has become more assured in its ability to strike targets in the Middle East. The assessment suggests Iran is determined to prolong the war for months, aiming to exhaust Washington and increase political pressure on President Donald Trump ahead of the midterm elections.
It is reported that the US may have underestimated Iranian resilience and capacity to withstand sustained bombardments and severe economic pressure. The confrontation has defied early US expectations of a quick resolution, leaving officials struggling to shift strategies as Tehran views mere survival as a victory.
There are currently few indicators that Tehran is prepared to offer a broad deal to the United States, as per some US officials. Some believe Iran sees benefit in the continuation of the war as long as its political costs accumulate within the US.
The intelligence reports do not rule out the possibility of greater escalation. While the newspaper does not state that a decision has been made or that a major attack is imminent, it indicates that limited military escalation may not be the ceiling of what Tehran is considering.
The US assessment suggests Iran may repeat actions similar to those in July, including striking US bases in the Middle East, attacking shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, and targeting infrastructure in Kuwait and other countries.
The file of cyberattacks within the United States has also become part of the assessment. US officials believe hackers linked to Iran were likely responsible for attacks targeting more than 100 US water systems in late July.
APP/ift
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