US Intel: Iran Prepared for Prolonged War

Iran has emerged from months of intermittent conflict with a stronger sense of its military capabilities and appears prepared for a prolonged confrontation with the United States, according to recent US intelligence assessments. The reports, cited by multiple outlets, suggest Tehran may be unwilling to quickly agree to a deal with Washington and could instead seek to increase pressure on President Donald Trump, particularly as the US approaches its midterm elections in November. The intelligence assessments indicate that Iran has gained a better understanding of its military strengths after months of on-again, off-again fighting. Although recent exchanges have remained limited, officials believe Tehran could escalate its attacks in the coming weeks. In the past week, Iran targeted ships in the Strait of Hormuz and American troops in the region, and US forces struck inside Iran, killing military personnel and civilians. The reports suggest that any agreement to fully end the war will be hard to reach, with few signs that Iran is ready to make any sort of deal with the United States.