— U.S. intelligence assessments suggest Iran has become increasingly confident in its ability to strike targets across the Middle East and may seek to prolong the conflict for months rather than negotiate with Washington, NYT reports.Officials briefed on the intelligence say Tehran has gained a clearer understanding of its military strengths during the six-month conflict and could be considering a significant escalation.
The assessments indicate Iran currently sees little incentive to reach a deal and may instead seek to drag the war through the U.S. midterm elections, betting that higher energy prices, American casualties, and public dissatisfaction with the conflict will increase political pressure on President Trump.
U.S. officials warn Iran could return to the level of escalation seen in July, when it repeatedly targeted American bases, shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, and infrastructure across the Gulf.
