Iran, NYT: “Tehran could order targeted attacks on US targets”

New York (USA), 23 Feb. (LaPresse) – Iran could instruct its proxies to carry out retaliatory terrorist attacks against American targets in Europe and the Middle East if President Donald Trump ordered large-scale strikes on Tehran. This is reported by the New York Times, citing U.S. and other Western security officials. Officials say they have not yet identified specific plots in preparation. However, they maintain that the increase in intercepted communications indicates a certain level of planning and coordination of attacks. Among intelligence and counterterrorism officials, there is concern that Tehran could involve the Houthis in Yemen to resume raids on Western maritime traffic in the Red Sea. In Europe, there is also fear that Hezbollah sleeper cells or even Al Qaeda or its affiliates could be ordered to strike U.S. bases or embassies. A senior U.S. official, the NYT reports, stated that government analysts are monitoring “many” activities and plans, but it is unclear what could trigger an attack.