A new U.S. intelligence assessment concludes that Iran is unlikely to significantly soften its negotiating position despite the latest American military strikes, leaving Washington and Tehran locked in an open-ended standoff between renewed diplomacy and further escalation, according to a report in The Washington Post.

The assessment, written primarily by the CIA, says Iran’s leadership still appears capable of absorbing continued attacks, even after losing senior officials and large amounts of military hardware. U.S. analysts believe Tehran’s overriding priority remains the survival of the regime, making it willing to endure severe damage rather than quickly yield to American demands.

Officials see three possible paths ahead. Iran could eventually return to negotiations, the conflict could settle into repeated cycles of attacks and temporary calm, or the United States could consider a ground operation, an option current and former officials view as politically risky and unlikely.

The intelligence report also points to divisions inside Iran. Some officials are believed to support a diplomatic agreement, while hardliners remain opposed. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington has heard directly from Iranian officials who favor negotiations but acknowledged that more powerful factions continue to resist a deal.

Despite the pressure, U.S. officials do not currently see clear evidence that additional strikes alone will force Tehran to change course. One former intelligence official said the administration appears to believe Iran will eventually become more flexible if the attacks continue, but added that such an outcome remains uncertain.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)