Officials emphasize their concern centers around the threat from those militias located in Syria and several other locations in the Middle East. They all describe the potential threat as ongoing and worrisome. However, they would not describe the specific intelligence that continues to be gathered.
These militias have increased access to ballistic missile and other advanced weapons inventories as Iran continues to move weaponry into Syria.
While there are no specific indicators of an Iranian attack, the concerns stem in part from Iran’s statements that the US was one of the countries behind an attack on an Iranian military parade this month that killed at least 29 people.
National security adviser John Bolton’s issued a stark warning to Iran at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, “If you cross us, our allies, or our partners; if you harm our citizens; if you continue to lie, cheat, and deceive, yes, there will indeed be hell to pay.”
Officials tell CNN there continues to be a stream of worrying intelligence about the intentions of Iranian proxies.
The US assessment is Iran could possibly use these forces, rather than those with direct identifiable connections to the Iranian central government. The central government continues to publicly focus on trying to win support from European nations to maintain some type of nuclear agreement.
Officials would not describe the specific intelligence, but in addition to monitoring public statements from Iran, the US intelligence community is capable of using overhead satellites and communication intercepts.
Pompeo’s comments came as the White House earlier this month warned it would hold Iran responsible for not stopping Shia militia groups responsible for rocket strikes near US diplomatic facilities in Baghdad and Basra.
Source : Nbcnewyork