WSJ: Iran braces for new round of escalation in Middle East

Intelligence agencies in several Arab countries have received information indicating that Iran is preparing for a possible expansion of its conflict with the United States and Israel, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports, citing sources.

According to the newspaper, Tehran seeks to inflict enough damage on its adversaries to deter further strikes against Iran. The role of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is growing, hardline figures are being appointed to key positions, and the production of missiles and drones is being accelerated.

Sources cited by the newspaper list possible scenarios for escalation, including sabotage targeting internet cables in the Persian Gulf and attempts to destabilise the situation in Kuwait and Bahrain. The possibility of ground operations in Kuwait has also not been ruled out.

Information about the preparations was obtained in part through intercepted communications between Iran and allied groups in Yemen and Iraq, the report added.

By Jeyhun Aghazada