US intelligence assesses Iran unlikely to change stance despite renewed strikes

Iran's government is unlikely to significantly alter its negotiating position or come under substantial pressure from the latest round of US military strikes, according to a new US intelligence assessment described by current and former American officials to The Washington Post.

The assessment also concludes that Tehran and Washington are likely to remain in an extended period of uncertainty between peace and open conflict, despite the increasingly deadly exchanges between the two countries, the officials said. They spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the intelligence findings.

According to the officials, the assessment has been presented to the US administration and highlights the challenges facing President Donald Trump as the conflict continues.

The United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28. In June, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding providing for an immediate cessation of hostilities, including in Lebanon.

However, the United States resumed large-scale strikes on Iran on the night of July 8, accusing Tehran of violating the terms of the agreement relating to the Strait of Hormuz.

By Sabina Mammadli