OMM Newsroom
Israeli intelligence claims that Iran is considering using chemical weapons against its adversaries have raised concerns in Washington, exposing divisions among US officials over the alleged threat’s credibility and Israel’s motives, Anadolu Agency reported, citing The New York Times.
Some US officials reportedly see the claims as an effort by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to persuade the administration of President Donald Trump to resume large-scale military operations against Iran.
Others argue the warnings should be taken seriously amid growing concerns about potential Iranian attacks on American interests.
The concerns have also been shared with Gulf countries. A regional official told The New York Times that Israeli officials presented assessments suggesting Iran was working to make its chemical weapons operational but provided no supporting evidence. Gulf governments reportedly found the claims unconvincing.
For some US officials, the allegations have revived memories of flawed US intelligence assessments in 2002 that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction. Those claims were used to justify the 2003 invasion.
US intelligence agencies have long monitored Iran’s chemical weapons capabilities, but officials remain divided over whether Tehran could deploy such weapons effectively or would choose to use them, the report said.
Iran has repeatedly denied possessing chemical weapons and has previously dismissed the accusations as part of an Israeli psychological warfare campaign.
The intelligence dispute comes as Washington and Tehran explore diplomatic options to prevent renewed fighting, while US forces continue building up their military presence in the region, the report said.
The US military is preparing for possible renewed strikes on Iran as early as Wednesday, pending authorization from Trump, according to the report.
