U.S., Iran Edge Toward Full War as 16 Months of Strikes Fuel Attack Fears
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 25
U.S., Iran Edge Toward Full War as 16 Months of Strikes Fuel Attack Fears
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 25
Summary
U.S. officials believe Iran is in the advanced stages of planning attacks on American officials, raising fears that a single strike could trigger a wider war.
Iranian leaders, more than 6,000 miles away, appear convinced the United States and Israel are preparing a third major attack in 16 months to force Tehran to yield.
Recent intelligence has sharpened concern around possible plots against U.S. ambassadors in the Middle East and officials on U.S. soil, though Iran’s past assassination efforts have often exceeded its capabilities.
Political pressure is compounding the danger: Benjamin Netanyahu faces a critical election, and Donald Trump is weighing how to project authority despite the war’s unpopularity.
Diplomats and experts warn that faulty intelligence, misread motives or a stray blast could now provide the pretext that pushes both sides into full-scale conflict.