[Report: U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Proposal Awaits Response, Pro-Iran Militants Accused of Redirecting Funds to Revolutionary Guard] Golden Finance reports on October 17, citing Axios, that U.S. Central Command Commander Cooper stated that pro-Iran militant groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iraqi Shiite militias are redirecting funds to Iran's Revolutionary Guard. The Iranian government is also accused of owing wages, pensions, and benefits to Revolutionary Guard personnel and public sector employees. The report quotes U.S. officials saying that the White House, aiming to avoid escalation of conflict before the midterm elections, has ordered U.S. forces to almost entirely halt strikes on Iranian anti-ship missile and attack drone launch facilities near the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. believes that the suspension of strikes has emboldened Iran to carry out attacks. Meanwhile, the White House and Qatari mediators are still awaiting Iran's response to the U.S. proposal for ending the war. Regional mediators are urging Iran to respond promptly.