The Media Revealed Iran's Secret Plan
- 18.08.2026, 17:57
Tehran is preparing for an escalation.
Iranian authorities may have used the diplomatic lull with the U.S. not to prepare for an end to the conflict, but to strengthen their military capabilities and prepare for a new round of hostilities. This is evidenced by intercepted communications and other intelligence analyzed by U.S. and Arab officials, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Hardliners in Tehran hope to raise the cost of the conflict for the U.S. and its allies in the Middle East. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has been granted more authority, and veterans of the Iran-Iraq War and past crackdowns have been appointed to key positions.
At the same time, Iran has accelerated the production of missiles and drones, strengthened counterintelligence, and expanded coordination with allied groups in Iraq, Yemen, and Lebanon.
The Strait of Hormuz took on particular significance. Forces backed by Tehran attacked ships and attempted to increase pressure on Saudi Arabia. The Iranian military has also shared intelligence with its allies regarding potential targets, including ports and energy facilities.
“The threats extend to other countries in the Persian Gulf as well. Among the scenarios under discussion are strikes on energy infrastructure, sabotage against internet cables, and even possible ground operations in Kuwait,” the authors write.
Domestically, the leadership is also tightening its grip. The Revolutionary Guards have gained more influence over the regular army, and the former head of the “Basij” Hossein Taeb has been tasked with transforming the organization into a large-scale domestic intelligence network.
Washington and Tehran, however, have differing assessments of the situation. The U.S. expects that sanctions and military pressure will force Iran to soften its stance. In Tehran, however, the negotiations are seen as a possible respite before a new confrontation.
According to Mehdi Mohammadi, an adviser close to the negotiations, the current lull may turn out to be merely “the calm before the storm.”