Iran Plans Regional Escalation, Avoids Direct Israel Attack During Election
Iran is planning to escalate regional tensions by expanding its attacks in the near future, potentially targeting American and "Zionist" interests, according to sources familiar with a U.S. intelligence assessment. However, Tehran is carefully considering a direct strike against Israel, recognizing that any Israeli response would be "unrestricted."
Another factor influencing Tehran's calculations is its desire to influence the outcome of the Israeli government, the assessment suggests. Iranian decision-makers are reportedly factoring in Israel's ongoing election campaign, believing a full-blown conflict could bolster the right-wing bloc or, in an extreme scenario, lead to an election postponement.
The intelligence assessment indicates that Iran aims to create instability, but its specific actions are being weighed against potential Israeli retaliation and the impact on Israeli domestic politics.
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