Updated

Amid fears of renewed US strikes after the midterm elections, Iran is reportedly fortifying nuclear facilities, with satellite imagery showing 'significant' new activity at sites previously bombed by Israel and the US, including a secret site referenced by officials as 'Pickaxe Mountain,' which President Trump said could be hit again 'pretty soon.' Senior Iranian officials have adopted increasingly defiant rhetoric: an IRGC official likened the conflict with Washington to a 'world war,' commanders vowed a 'crushing response' to any aggression, and officials said Iran would use 'all capabilities' to repel attacks while warning a new US strike would have 'far-reaching consequences.' Iran's Foreign Ministry also reiterated that any negotiations require approval from the Supreme National Security Council and the Supreme Leader, while rejecting Trump's claims about destroying American cities as campaign rhetoric. The standoff has fueled scrutiny of Iran's uranium enrichment and nuclear ambiguity, with US officials including Director of National Intelligence Gabbard questioned on whether Iran poses an 'imminent nuclear threat,' Congress examining Iran's nuclear weapons production capacity, and reimposed sanctions raising fresh questions about the program. Iranian officials, meanwhile, touted the country's nuclear science achievements and showcased export potential at an Atomic Energy Organization expo, while the IRGC conducted counterterrorism drills in Belarus and officials framed US-damaged cities like Lamerd as evidence of banned weapons use, reinforcing Tehran's narrative of resilience and resolve ahead of a possible resumption of fighting.