CNN reported that, according to Pentagon sources, Tehran is rebuilding its weapons arsenal far faster than previously assessed. The sources claimed the Islamic Republic could return to its prewar drone production capacity within six months.
A fierce debate ensues at the White House with the president approving continued talks with Iran despite opposition from senior officials. Vice President Vance and the envoys pushed for an initial deal, while the defense and foreign secretaries demanded pressure and a strike. At the same time, Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Emirati leadership backed a hard line, while Saudi Arabia and Qatar prefer to avoid escalation.
As reports suggest a possible resumption of talks between Washington and Tehran, the ayatollah regime is escalating its rhetoric. Iran’s vice president warned: “We will stand against any aggression to the last drop of blood.”
According to The New York Times, in the early days of the war, Israel and the US developed joint plans to identify a pragmatic figure who could take control of the government in Tehran. Ahmadinejad himself was involved in the plan, but it went awry after a strike meant to eliminate his guards also hit him.
The Revolutionary Guards sent a message indicating possible flexibility on the nuclear issue. Trump decided to consult with leaders of countries in the region, with some believing that negotiations were pointless and that Iran was playing for time. They presented him with the timetable Iran had dragged out repeatedly, as well as the fact that it continues to attack the UAE.
Amid growing tensions over the possible resumption of the war, Iran is holding mass ceremonies to boost morale. Crowds in the streets are being urged to promote the culture of martyrdom and "avenge the death of the leader."
The New York Times reports that Iran is preparing for a "short and intense" campaign, which would include launching dozens to hundreds of missiles a day at energy facilities in the Gulf. If the Iranian regime feels that its control of Hormuz is in danger, it could order the Houthis to block the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
US President Donald Trump said in a dramatic post about his decision to suspend the renewed attack on the Islamic Republic that he had instructed the military to be ready to launch an attack immediately "in the event that an acceptable deal is not reached."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened the limited cabinet, with the discussion focused on what appears to be another possible round of fighting with Iran. Trump: The Iranians "want to make a deal more than ever."
Qatar's economy has been devastated by Iran's missile and drone blitz. Experts fear a mass exodus of foreign workers and damage that could set the wealthy energy state back by years.
