Updated

Multiple reports indicate Iran is reinforcing its nuclear facilities and rallying domestic support for a possible resumption of conflict, with US officials reportedly considering use of the 'mother of all bombs' against Iranian targets. Satellite imagery has shown 'significant' activity at a nuclear site previously struck early in the war, while US Congress scrutinizes Iran's nuclear weapons production capacity and questions National Intelligence Director Gabbard on whether Iran poses an 'imminent' threat. Iranian officials, including President Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf, Army commanders and IRGC officials, have responded with defiant rhetoric, vowing Iran will not be brought to its knees, that any negotiations require approval from the Supreme National Security Council and the Leader, and that the armed forces are fully deployed and ready for a 'crushing response.' A senior IRGC official likened the standoff to a 'world war' that could reshape the global order, while a former Tehran mayor cautioned on state television that Iran cannot match US military capability and called for negotiations to end the war. The rhetoric and preparations suggest both sides are bracing for a possible new round of escalation once the US midterm elections pass.