Six months of war have made Iran more confident in its ability to withstand US pressure and sustain a prolonged conflict, rather than weakening the country, according to US intelligence agencies.A New York Times report on Friday said Tehran is now more confident about its ability to strike US and allied targets across the Middle East and appears prepared to continue the conflict for several months.The intelligence assessments also suggest that Iran’s hardline government could consider further escalating the conflict, making it more difficult for Washington and Tehran to reach an agreement to end the war.Midterm elections in focusSome US officials believe Iran may seek to prolong the conflict until the US midterm elections in November. Tehran may calculate that a prolonged war and high energy prices could put political pressure on President Donald Trump and the Republicans.Trump is currently focusing on economic pressure rather than negotiations. US officials, however, have warned that tougher sanctions could prompt Iran to retaliate by escalating tensions.Military capabilities remainDespite suffering heavy losses during the war, Iran’s missile and drone capabilities, as well as its ability to use the Strait of Hormuz strategically, have boosted Tehran’s confidence.Before the war, nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil was transported through the strategic waterway.Members of the US congressional intelligence committees said Iran believes it still has enough capabilities to exert pressure. Tehran also believes Washington’s ability to launch another major attack could be constrained by declining US stocks of weapons and ammunition.Cyber threat growsThe conflict has also opened another front in cyberspace.US officials believe Iran-backed hackers targeted more than 100 water supply systems across the United States in late July. While the attacks did not pose a major threat to water safety, some operations were disrupted.Iranian hackers have also shown interest in US oil and gas infrastructure. Cybersecurity experts warn that even limited attacks could increase public dissatisfaction in the United States over a prolonged war.Attempts to influence US politicsIran is also seeking to influence US politics through social media and online campaigns, according to the report.Meta Platforms recently identified a small network of Iran-based accounts that was conducting campaigns related to US politics and elections.Source: The Dawn
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