A US intelligence assessment says that more than six months after US military
action against Iran, Tehran has grown more confident in its ability to strike US
targets in the Middle East and appears intent on continuing confrontation at
least through the US midterm elections in November. The report says Iran now has
a clearer picture of its military capabilities and an increased appreciation of
the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz. Despite sustained US military
and economic pressure, there are no signs Iran seeks a deal; US officials warn
further strikes on Iran would likely prompt retaliatory attacks on US bases and
forces in the region. Some US officials assess Iran may try to prolong the
conflict to November and judge US capacity for large-scale strikes is
constrained by depleted munitions stockpiles.
