Iran isn't seeking direct war with U.S., American officials say

The U.S. intelligence community believes that Iran is not currently seeking a direct war with the United States but that it is looking to ratchet up pressure on Israel and the U.S. through its proxies in the region, two congressional aides and a defense official told NBC News. 

Iran’s approach, however, raises the risk of miscalculation and an unintended regional conflict, the sources said.

Provocative actions by Iran’s partners, including Hamas in Gaza and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, are also designed to shape Israel’s calculations as it prepares for an expected ground operation in Gaza. Tehran’s efforts appear to be a bid to force Israel to limit the scope of the military campaign, the two congressional aides said.