When the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding in June, the US hoped it would eventually lead to the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and a de-escalation of the war. However, according to sources to the WSJ, Iran's plans are the opposite.
The country's leaders are said to have been secretly preparing for a larger conflict. Among other things, Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard has been given increased control over the regular army and the production of drones and missiles has been expanded. In addition, efforts have been coordinated with militias in Yemen and Iraq.
The goal is to increase the costs and suffering for the US to the point that the US will not want to launch further attacks, according to the sources.
The 60-day deadline, during which the US and Iran were supposed to negotiate a peace solution, expires on Monday and the parties are currently far from such a solution.
During the night of Monday, two Iranian drones were fired at the Iraqi Kurdistan Prime Minister's office and the residence of the autonomous region's intelligence chief, AFP reports, citing local authorities.
