The Islamic Republic, two months after signing a memorandum of understanding with the United States, has instead used that time to prepare for the escalation of war. The Wall Street Journal reported this, citing Iranian and Arab officials, and wrote that the Iranian government believed the United States was also only buying time for an attack in the future.

The report emphasized that for this reason, in the past 60 days, this government increased the production of missiles and drones and appointed hardliners to key positions.

Based on the Wall Street Journal report, Arab intelligence officials have referred to a “strategic shift” in the leadership of the Islamic Republic—one that is a shift for “preparing forces to expand the war.”

U.S. officials told the Wall Street Journal that Trump, while negotiations have stalled and Tehran has not pulled back from escalating the confrontation, is waiting to see whether pressure from sanctions and the United States’ naval blockade can change the Islamic Republic’s position.