RT by @mikenov: RT by @mikenov: The Wall Street Journal reports that Iran’s leadership used the period following the June memorandum of understanding not to prepare for deescalation, but for a larger conflict with the United States. According to Iranian and Arab officials and intercepted communications cited by the Journal, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has expanded its control over Iran’s military, accelerated missile and drone production, and worked with allied groups in Iraq and Yemen to broaden the battlefield. That has included positioning missiles, naval weapons and drones around the Red Sea, providing Houthi forces with intelligence and target information, and preparing

The Wall Street Journal reports that Iran’s leadership used the period following the June memorandum of understanding not to prepare for deescalation, but for a larger conflict with the United States.

According to Iranian and Arab officials and intercepted communications cited by the Journal, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has expanded its control over Iran’s military, accelerated missile and drone production, and worked with allied groups in Iraq and Yemen to broaden the battlefield.

That has included positioning missiles, naval weapons and drones around the Red Sea, providing Houthi forces with intelligence and target information, and preparing attacks against Saudi ports and energy infrastructure. Iranian-backed militias in Iraq have also targeted Saudi energy sites.

The Journal also reports a broader shift inside Tehran toward an offensive posture. Recent senior security appointments have strengthened IRGC control over the regular military, while commanders have publicly called for operations against targets in countries hosting U.S. forces.

The immediate effect has been a widening conflict: attacks on shipping in Hormuz, strikes against U.S. forces in Jordan and elsewhere, and increasing pressure on Gulf energy infrastructure.

— @sentdefender Aug 17, 2026