The New York Times reported that new information about the Islamic Republic's possible plans to attack Americans and the Trump administration's consideration of broader attacks have increased the risk of a return to full-scale war. The newspaper warned that election calculations and false perceptions could worsen the crisis. According to this report, US government officials are concerned that the Iranian government is in the "advanced stages" of planning to attack US officials. On the other hand, Iranian officials apparently believe that the US and Israel are preparing for their third major attack in the past 16 months to force Tehran to accept Washington's demands. The New York Times cited diplomats and experts who warn that in such an environment, even a shooting at an American official or an explosion near the residence of Iranian government leaders could lead to a wider conflict.

The New York Times reported that new information about the Islamic Republic's possible plans to attack Americans and the Trump administration's consideration of broader attacks have increased the risk of a return to full-scale war. The newspaper warned that election calculations and false perceptions could worsen the crisis. According to this report, US government officials are concerned that the Iranian government is in the "advanced stages" of planning to attack US officials. On the other hand, Iranian officials apparently believe that the US and Israel are preparing for their third major attack in the past 16 months to force Tehran to accept Washington's demands. The New York Times cited diplomats and experts who warn that in such an environment, even a shooting at an American official or an explosion near the residence of Iranian government leaders could lead to a wider conflict.