Iran Prepared for War While Signing Deal with US, Escalates Military Actions

A recent report by The Wall Street Journal reveals that Iran strategically used its memorandum of understanding with the United States as a cover while preparing for war. According to Arab and Iranian sources, immediately after signing the agreement, Tehran's hardline leadership decided to violate the deal, accelerate missile production, and ready the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for a comprehensive conflict against Israel and the West.

The Iranian leadership viewed the ceasefire as a temporary Western attempt to mitigate the economic impact of the Hormuz Strait closure. They granted the IRGC expanded control over the Iranian military, appointed veteran commanders from the Iran-Iraq war to senior positions, and intensified missile and drone manufacturing. Iran began breaching the agreement by attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz and expanded assaults into the Red Sea to challenge Saudi Arabia.

Intelligence agencies from Arab states gathered evidence of Iran's new strategy, including communications with terrorist affiliates in Iraq and Yemen aimed at increasing US war costs and targeting Gulf countries. In response, US officials warned Gulf states, particularly Kuwait, about Iran's intentions to conduct attacks within "enemy territory." This development signals a shift toward a more aggressive Iranian posture despite diplomatic efforts.

The report underscores the growing tensions in the region and Iran's preparation for a potential large-scale confrontation with the US and Israel, complicating prospects for peace and stability in the Gulf.