Axios cites CENTCOM commander Cooper saying Hezbollah, Hamas and Iraqi Shia
militias are routing funds back to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
(IRGC). US officials told Axios Tehran has delayed paying wages, pensions and
benefits to IRGC personnel and public-sector workers. To avoid escalation ahead
of US midterms, the White House ordered a near-halt to US strikes on Iranian
anti-ship missile and armed-drone launch sites near the Strait of Hormuz; US
officials say the pause has increased Iran’s confidence to carry out attacks.
The White House and Qatari mediators are awaiting Iran’s response to a US
counterproposal to end the conflict, with regional mediators urging a prompt
reply.
