Israel warns US that Iran may use chemical weapons; US officials skeptical

Israel shared intelligence with the US and Gulf states that Iran is considering using chemical weapons, according to a New York Times report. Some US officials view the warning as part of a pressure campaign by Prime Minister Netanyahu to resume large-scale military operations against Iran.

Israel has reportedly shared intelligence with the United States and Gulf countries indicating that Iran is considering using chemical weapons against them, according to a New York Times report citing US and regional officials. Israeli officials are arguing that the chemical weapons threat is more urgent than Iran's nuclear threat, which was one of the original reasons for going to war with the Islamic Republic. Some US officials view the intelligence as being used by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to urge President Donald Trump to return to active combat. Gulf countries found the intelligence briefings, which involved Israeli assessments and not actual evidence, 'unserious.' However, some officials are taking the warnings seriously given Iran's threats. The US Central Command has a plan ready to attack Iran as early as Wednesday, a day after the midterm elections. The US already launched what it called defensive strikes late Monday. Iran has publicly rejected accusations of developing chemical weapons. Qatari mediators are working to narrow gaps between Tehran and Washington, with Iran demanding a permanent end to the war, lifting of the blockade, sanctions relief, and reparations. The article also notes that Israel stopped handing out gas masks over a decade ago and has not restarted.