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Iran Signals Offensive Posture and Escalation Plans to Coerce United States into Accepting Maximalist Demands

The Iranian regime is signaling a shift toward a fully offensive posture, aiming to coerce the United States into surrendering to its maximalist demands. These demands include the lifting of the US naval blockade and sanctions, and securing recognition of Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials have publicized plans to expand the scope and severity of attacks against the US and its allies, including preemptive strikes on internet cables and potential ground operations in Kuwait. To restore deterrence, the regime is preparing to make fighting more costly for the US by coordinating with regional partners and proxies. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps has supervised the deployment of missiles and drones to the Red Sea to support the Houthis, who continue to impose economic costs on Saudi Arabia to force a settlement. Meanwhile, the Iranian regime is also managing internal security, appointing Hossein Taeb as the new Basij commander to help repress domestic unrest. Despite these efforts, the regime remains firm on its core objectives, signaling that it will prefer to escalate hostilities rather than make significant concessions if the US does not acquiesce to its primary demands.

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