Israel Warns US That Iran May Be Considering Chemical Weapons Attack

The New York Times reported Tuesday evening that Israel had provided the United States with intelligence indicating that Iran is considering using chemical weapons against its enemies. According to the report, several American officials viewed the intelligence as part of an Israeli pressure campaign aimed at persuading the Trump administration to resume military action against Iran. Other officials, however, believe the warnings should be taken seriously, particularly in light of reports that Iran is preparing for a possible American attack.

The American newspaper also reported that Israel had shared the intelligence with senior officials in Gulf states. More than a decade ago, the United States raised suspicions that Iran had developed chemical weapons, and in recent years, Washington has warned Tehran against using such weapons. Iran has denied possessing chemical weapons.

Meanwhile, tensions are mounting amid speculation that President Donald Trump could order a strike on Iran in the coming days. According to foreign reports, U.S. military cargo aircraft are heading toward the Middle East, while aerial refueling planes have landed in several countries, including Israel. Attack aircraft have also reportedly departed from military bases in the United States.

In addition, the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt and its accompanying strike group are reportedly just days away from reaching the Arabian Sea, south of the Strait of Hormuz. The aircraft carriers USS George Washington and USS George H.W. Bush are currently stationed in the region, according to the reports.