US intel says Iran may be preparing for further escalation

U.S. intelligence has obtained information suggesting that Iran has grown more confident in its ability to strike targets across the Middle East and may be considering a significant escalation of the conflict, The New York Times reported, citing people familiar with the assessments.

Several U.S. officials told the newspaper that the latest intelligence could make efforts to bring the conflict to an end more difficult. They said Tehran was unlikely to be prepared to reach a deal with Washington and could instead seek to further complicate President Donald Trump’s political position ahead of the U.S. midterm elections.

According to several sources cited by The New York Times, Iran could launch another attack on U.S. military bases in the Middle East in the coming weeks. Iranian forces could also target vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the sources said.

The intelligence reportedly reflects a growing assessment within the U.S. government that Iranian leaders have gained greater confidence in their military capabilities during the conflict. The reported preparations do not necessarily mean that such attacks will take place, but U.S. officials cited by the newspaper believe Tehran may be moving toward a more confrontational course.

The report comes amid continuing hostilities between Iran and the United States and growing concerns that further attacks could widen the conflict across the region. Recent Iranian strikes have included attacks claimed against facilities hosting U.S. forces in Gulf states, although individual claims of damage have not always been independently confirmed.

By Tamilla Hasanova