Iran tensions rise as report details U.S. strike contingency and intelligence divisions

Reports surrounding Iran are putting the choice between diplomacy and renewed military action back in focus.The New York Times, citing sources, reports that Israel has shared intelligence with Washington asserting that Iran is considering using chemical weapons against its adversaries.

The assessment has reportedly alarmed some American officials, while others remain deeply skeptical.U.S.

officials divided over Israel’s warningSome American officials view the intelligence as part of a pressure campaign by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to persuade the Trump administration to resume major combat operations against Iran.Others believe the threat warrants serious attention, given recent warnings about Iranian preparations to attack American interests.

That leaves Washington weighing both the credibility of the intelligence and the consequences of acting on it.Pentagon contingency could begin as early as WednesdayAccording to U.S.

officials cited in the reporting, U.S.

Central Command has a plan to strike Iran beginning as early as Wednesday, after the midterm elections, when three American aircraft carriers are expected to be in the region.The existence of a military plan does not establish that President Trump has authorized an attack.

However, the report points to a limited operational window.

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