NEW YORK TIMES: IRAN BELIEVES IT NOW UNDERSTANDS THE LIMITS OF U.S. MILITARY POWER
The New York Times, citing a U.S. intelligence assessment, reports that Iran has emerged from six months of confrontation with greater confidence, believing it has gained a clearer understanding of the limits of American military power.
According to the report, Iran still possesses sufficient stocks of missiles and drones and retains the ability to disrupt the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Tehran reportedly sees little reason to return to the negotiating table under the current circumstances.
Instead, Iran appears to be preparing for a prolonged conflict, potentially lasting until the U.S. elections, in the hope that rising energy prices and the mounting costs of the war could weaken Donald Trump politically.
The assessment points to an increasingly difficult and dangerous phase of the conflict, with neither side showing signs of backing down.