⚡️🇺🇸🇮🇷 — CENTCOM chief Adm. Brad Cooper said Iran-backed groups including Hezbollah, Hamas and Iraqi Shia militias—long funded by the IRGC—are reportedly withholding fighters’ pay to redirect funds to the IRGC, which is itself not paying its troops. He claimed that Tehran is withholding salaries, pensions and benefits from public-sector workers, including internal security forces and IRGC personnel, amid mounting pressure from US sanctions and naval blockade. — Axios, citing Adm. Cooper's remarks

➡️ Washington hopes the economic squeeze will secure a deal involving Iranian nuclear concessions, but none has materialized as the US prepares for a possible resumption of major combat. CENTCOM has almost entirely paused strikes on Iranian anti-ship missiles and attack-drone launchers near the Strait in recent weeks, reportedly on White House orders to avoid escalation before the midterms; a US official said the pause emboldened Tehran.

US officials say Iran is increasing ship attacks to raise oil prices and pressure Trump ahead of the elections, while CENTCOM fears attacks could deter shipping, reduce oil flows and drive prices higher.

➡️ Separately, Washington and Qatari mediators await Tehran’s response to a US counterproposal to end the war, which remains under internal deliberation. Regional mediators urged FM Abbas Araghchi not to delay until after the midterms, warning Trump could become more aggressive rather than conciliatory.

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