Iran Plans Secret Proxy Escalation During Fragile Ceasefire Amid US Strike Uncertainty

Iran's Islamic Republic secretly prepared to expand conflict in the Middle East through its proxy forces during a fragile ceasefire, according to a New York Times report. This plan was developed while the world awaited US President Donald Trump's decision on intensifying American strikes against Iran. The strategy aimed to raise the cost for the US by targeting shipping routes, energy infrastructure, and allied assets if attacks resumed.

Senior commanders from Iran's Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force held covert talks with leaders of Hezbollah, Yemen's Houthi rebels, and pro-Iranian militias in Iraq. Their goal was to enable a rapid escalation that would increase internal and international pressure on Washington.

Meanwhile, amid reports of potential US and Israeli strikes on Iranian energy facilities, the Israel Defense Forces remain on high alert. However, an Israeli official told CBS that Jerusalem has no confirmed decision to resume full military operations and that Israel has not been asked to participate in any military actions against Iran.