The NYT reported on the likelihood of a US strike on Iran's security apparatus

The United States considers cyber attacks and attacks on Iran's internal security apparatus as the most likely options for influencing Iran. This was reported on January 12 by The New York Times (NYT), citing sources.

"Narrower options — a cyberattack or a strike against Iran's internal security forces — are more likely," the publication says.

It is noted that the US Department of War (Pentagon) also proposes to influence Tehran by manipulating Iran's nuclear program, as well as hitting ballistic missile targets.

Shifting grip: New US strikes on Iran could lead to war in the region

In response, Tehran may attack American bases in Israel, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt said on January 12 that US President Donald Trump would not be afraid to use American military force against Iran if circumstances required it. She confirmed that one of the representatives of the Iranian government contacted Trump's special envoy Steven Witkoff and expressed a position significantly different in tone from Tehran's public statements.

On the same day, the head of the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Abbas Araqchi, said that the Israeli and US authorities were trying to use the unrest in Iran for their own purposes in order to achieve through destabilization what they could not do through military action. The minister stressed that Tehran will not allow terrorist groups, which are supported from the outside, to continue their activities.

Prior to this, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called on Iranians to express disagreement with opponents of government policy. He noted that instigators can destroy the entire society.

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