Arab intelligence agencies have intercepted Iranian plans indicating a readiness to expand the conflict beyond its borders, as senior military commanders in Tehran declared that American forces no longer have the right to enter the strategic waterways of the Persian Gulf.
Regional allies warn of covert escalation plans
Intelligence gathered by several Arab states suggests that Iran is preparing for a potential widening of its conflict with the United States and Israel. According to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal, Tehran’s strategic objective is to inflict sufficient damage on its adversaries to deter future strikes on Iranian soil.
The reported shift in posture comes amid a significant hardening of the Islamic Republic’s internal power structures. The role of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is said to be expanding, with hardline loyalists being appointed to key positions. Simultaneously, the country is reportedly accelerating its production of missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Sabotage and “ground operations” considered
Among the scenarios allegedly discussed by Iranian planners are acts of sabotage targeting undersea internet cables in the Gulf, as well as attempts to destabilise the governments of Kuwait and Bahrain. Sources did not rule out the possibility of ground operations originating from Iranian proxies, specifically within Kuwaiti territory.
The intelligence assessments were reportedly bolstered by interceptions of communications between Tehran and allied militant groups operating in Yemen and Iraq.
“The only solution is the departure of the Americans”
In a stark rhetorical escalation, Major General Amir Hatami, the commander of Iran’s Army, asserted that the United States has been effectively expelled from the region’s waters. He stated that Washington no longer has the right to navigate the Strait of Hormuz or the Persian and Oman Gulfs.
“American bases will never be able to return to their previous state, and Iran will never allow the establishment of neighbouring facilities whose purpose is to threaten Iran,” General Hatami said, according to the Mehr news agency. “The only solution is the departure of the Americans from the region.”
Hatami described control over the Strait of Hormuz — a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies — as a geopolitical lever for Tehran and a necessary condition for ending the war.
US claims of dominance dismissed
The comments represent a direct rebuttal to US President Donald Trump, who recently claimed total control over the strategic waterway. “I assume we will keep it! And Iran can do nothing about it,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, suggesting the strait might be declared US territory after the conflict concludes.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi dismissed the claims, noting that the Strait of Hormuz “cannot be seized by a tweet” or by military force. He insisted that the waterway would continue to be opened and closed solely at the discretion of Tehran.
