HIBAPRESS
Two European sources have reported that the United States has requested several of its allies in Europe to provide it with intelligence information on potential targets inside Iran, a move that brought to mind the 1953 scenario in which the elected Iranian government headed by Mohammad Mosaddegh was overthrown.
The Washington Post quoted the sources as saying that the American request comes within the framework of extensive discussions within the administration on how to deal with internal developments in Iran, in light of the expansion of the scope of protests and the continuation of strict security measures.
Trump: The Time for Negotiations is Over
According to the newspaper, US President Donald Trump expressed his support for the protesters against the Iranian government, stressing via social media that "the time for negotiations with Tehran is over," referring to the cancellation of all scheduled meetings with Iranian officials.
In the same context, the White House held an expanded meeting of senior officials on Tuesday to discuss options for dealing with Iran, including more stringent scenarios, amid indications of an escalating debate within the administration.
Warnings of Repeating History
Observers believe that the request to prepare a "target bank" inside Iran brings to the forefront the events of 1953 and the role of Western intelligence at the time in changing the political landscape in Tehran. Despite the different international context today, questions remain about the possibilities of slipping into direct foreign intervention.
Analysts point out that the American request carries strategic implications, with talk of a potential targeting of leaders and agencies accused of suppressing the protests, which Trump had previously hinted at in previous statements.
Division within Washington and Europe
In contrast, former American officials have warned of the dangers of getting involved in a new conflict, at a time when the administration is facing internal challenges. European allies also face a dilemma between responding to the American request or avoiding a step that could be interpreted as an infringement on the sovereignty of states and international law.
Fears of Uncalculated Consequences
Parties opposed to any escalation warn that any uncalculated move could lead to wide regional repercussions, as well as a high human and political cost, in light of the ongoing protests, the cutting off of the internet, and the tightening of the security grip inside Iran.
(Sky News)
