WSJ reports Iran preparing to renew conflict with US and Israel
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The Wall Street Journal reports that Arab intelligence services have received data on Iranian preparations for a possible widening of the conflict with the United States and Israel. Tehran is seeking to inflict enough damage to deter new strikes, accelerating missile and drone production and promoting hardliners. The plans include possible sabotage of Gulf internet cables and destabilization of Kuwait and Bahrain.
Key Facts
- Arab intelligence services have obtained data on Iranian preparations for a possible widening of the conflict with the United States and Israel, The Wall Street Journal reported.
- Potential escalation scenarios include sabotage of undersea internet cables in the Persian Gulf and attempts to destabilise Kuwait and Bahrain, with ground operations in Kuwait not ruled out.
- US Vice President JD Vance said on Aug. 13 that the main US goal in the conflict with Iran is to keep oil and gas prices low for American consumers.
- WSJ reported that Tehran views current ceasefire talks as a possible interlude before conflict and sees the signed memorandum as a US-Israeli attempt to weaken the global economy and buy time.
Iranian Preparations and US Position
The Wall Street Journal reported that Tehran is seeking to inflict enough damage on its adversaries to prevent new strikes on Iran. The role of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is strengthening, hardline supporters are being appointed to key posts, and missile and drone production is accelerating. Arab intelligence services obtained some of the data through intercepted communications between Tehran and allied groups in Yemen and Iraq. On Aug. 13, US Vice President JD Vance said Washington's main goal in the conflict with Iran is to keep oil and gas prices low for American consumers.
Gulf Escalation Scenarios
WSJ sources described possible scenarios including sabotage of undersea internet cables in the Persian Gulf. The sources also cited attempts to destabilize the situation in Kuwait and Bahrain, two Gulf states. Ground operations in Kuwait are not excluded, according to the report.
Tehran's Ceasefire Distrust
WSJ reported that Iranian authorities believe US and Israeli ceasefire efforts are aimed only at easing pressure on markets and preparing for a new phase of combat. Tehran views the current negotiations as a possible interlude before conflict and the signed memorandum as a US-Israeli attempt to weaken the global economy and buy time, according to the newspaper. WSJ said Tehran's readiness to fight back reflects deep distrust that will prevent the two sides from achieving a sustainable agreement for a quick end to the conflict.
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WSJ reports Iran preparing to renew conflict with US and Israel
