Iran Signals Escalation as IRGC Pushes for Demands in U.S. Standoff
ISW-CTP warns Iran would prefer to continue or escalate fighting with the United States and its regional partners unless its maximalist demands are granted (e.g., sanctions relief and control over the Strait of Hormuz), with the IRGC leadership under Major General Ahmad Vahidi likely to reject partial deals and prepare broader attacks and higher costs for the US, including potential preemptive moves and proxy coordination in Iraq, Yemen, and Lebanon. Domestic economic distress and unrest could influence concessions, while regional tensions persist in Lebanon and Iraq and US-Iran diplomacy continues through backchannels.
