Analysis-How Iran is widening its pressure campaign to force US concessions

AI Summary

Iran is escalating pressure on the US by strategically targeting Middle East trade routes, shipping lanes, and energy infrastructure to increase confrontation costs. This calibrated escalation aims to widen conflict tensions without triggering full-scale war.

By Samia Nakhoul BEIRUT, Aug 3 (Reuters) - Iran is betting it can outlast Washington by turning the Middle East's trade routes, shipping lanes and energy infrastructure into pressure points that steadily raise the cost of confrontation, according to Gulf officials and analysts. Rather than seeking a decisive military victory, Tehran is pursuing a strategy of calibrated escalation aimed at widening the conflict without triggering full-scale war.