Iran used ceasefire to prepare for large-scale war — NYT
Iran used the ceasefire to strengthen its proxy forces and prepare for a large-scale war, according to the NYT, citing IRGC officers. The plan includes coordinated strikes on US and allied targets. Tehran increased its influence in Hezbollah, held video conferences with Houthis and Iraqi formations. Recent attacks in the region are linked to this strategy, aimed at pressuring Washington and controlling the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran used the period of ceasefire to strengthen its network of allied armed groups and prepare them for a possible large-scale war in the Middle East. This is reported by The New York Times, citing two senior officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) familiar with the planning details. According to the publication, during the temporary cessation of hostilities, the IRGC leadership held closed meetings with commanders of allied groups. The plan suggests that in the event of increased American strikes on Iran, Tehran-controlled forces should simultaneously attack targets in different countries of the region to raise the cost of a military operation for the US. Officers of the Quds Force regularly held video conferences with representatives of Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iraqi Shia formations. Iranian military also operate in Iraq and Lebanon, coordinating allies and restoring their combat capability. Tehran increased its influence within Hezbollah by sending IRGC officers to the group's leadership structures. An adviser to the speaker of the Iranian parliament, Mohammad Ghalibaf, Mehdi Mohammadi, announced the formation of a "new axis of resistance." The authors link recent attacks on Saudi Arabia's energy infrastructure, US facilities in Jordan, and incidents with gas carriers in the Egyptian port of Damietta to this campaign. Analysts believe the strategy aims to pressure Washington's allies, limit oil exports, and strengthen Iran's position regarding control over the Strait of Hormuz.