Israel Warns U.S. of Iranian Chemical Weapons Threat
Israel shared intelligence with the United States claiming Iran is considering chemical weapons use, sparking debate among U.S. officials and Gulf allies.
Israel has provided intelligence to the United States asserting that Iran is considering the use of chemical weapons against its adversaries. The claims have created a divide among U.S. officials; some view the intelligence as a credible threat, while others characterize it as a pressure campaign by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to convince the Trump administration to resume major combat operations against Tehran.
Iran has denied possessing chemical weapons and described the allegations as psychological warfare. Gulf countries briefed on the intelligence reportedly found the claims unserious. Internally, Israel's Home Front Command is conducting emergency drills that notably exclude preparations for chemical weapons attacks.
In response to regional instability, the U.S. military has positioned bombers and naval ships for potential strikes following the midterm elections. These military preparations coincide with diplomatic efforts to address Tehran's nuclear program and reach an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has intensified attacks on commercial shipping.
