Iran prepares for a new war — possible targets of Tehran named

According to L'Express, Iran has accelerated preparations for a possible new conflict following the June ceasefire with the US. Tehran has strengthened the Revolutionary Guard, ramped up missile and drone production, and appointed veterans to key posts. The Houthis attacked Saudi Arabian forces and closed the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. An Iranian official told Reuters of readiness for escalation in the Strait of Hormuz if Washington fails to honor the agreement. Preemptive strikes and regional destabilization are being considered.

Following the June 17 ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, Tehran, according to the French publication L'Express, has accelerated preparations for a possible new round of conflict. Hardline circles within the Iranian regime used the pause to bolster military capabilities, missile and drone production. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps gained greater control over the regular army, and veterans of the Iran-Iraq war returned to key positions. Mohsen Rezaei was appointed secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, and Hossein Taeb again headed the Basij. Iran accelerated missile and drone production and strengthened counterintelligence. Advisors were dispatched to Iraq, Yemen, and Lebanon. In late July, the Houthis attacked Riyadh-backed forces and announced the closure of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. On Monday, August 17, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran gives itself several weeks before further escalation in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran threatens a "timely and precise" military strike against the American naval blockade. Among the options under consideration are preemptive strikes, damage to internet cables, destabilization in Bahrain or Kuwait, and ground invasions of Kuwait. Meanwhile, American and Israeli strikes have caused serious damage to Iran's military capabilities and economy, but military infrastructure is recovering faster than expected.