**IRAN WILL SOON ESCALATE THE CONFLICT**

**According to U.S. intelligence agencies, Iran is growing increasingly confident in its ability to strike targets in the Middle East and may seek to prolong the conflict** for months rather than negotiate with Washington, reports The New York Times.

Officials familiar with intelligence findings stated **that Tehran, over the course of the six-month conflict, has gained a clearer understanding of its military capabilities** and may be considering a significant escalation.

According to these assessments, **Iran currently sees little incentive to reach an agreement and may aim to drag the war out until the U.S. midterm elections,** hoping that rising energy prices, American casualties, and public discontent with the conflict will increase political pressure on President Trump.

U.S. officials warn **that Iran could return to the level of escalation seen in July, when it repeatedly struck American bases, ships in the Strait of Hormuz**, and infrastructure in the Persian Gulf.

[#News](?q=%23News) [#Politics](?q=%23Politics) [#MiddleEast](?q=%23MiddleEast) [#USA](?q=%23USA) [#Iran](?q=%23Iran) 

[Subscribe](https://t.me/+HQNP3dFn8585NWIy) [now](https://t.me/+HQNP3dFn8585NWIy)! [Chat](https://t.me/ukrainewatch_chat)