Shea Levin — text status

Iran’s leadership is reportedly split over whether to return to talks with the U.S. or sharply escalate the war to break Washington’s pressure campaign. The New York Times reports that hard-line IRGC commanders proposed expanding attacks on U.S. forces, naval vessels and regional oil infrastructure, with the Houthis and Iraqi Shiite militias taking a larger role. President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf reportedly opposed the plan, warning it could trigger heavier U.S. strikes and worsen Iran’s economic crisis.