WASHINGTON: United States intelligence agencies had warned that military action against Iran could trigger retaliatory strikes across the Gulf region, contradicting claims by President Donald Trump that Tehran’s response came as a surprise, officials and sources familiar with the matter said.
According to a US official and multiple sources, pre-war intelligence assessments had identified the possibility of Iranian retaliation against regional targets as a likely outcome, though not guaranteed.
The warnings included potential strikes on US allies such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait.
Trump says response was unexpected
Trump stated on Monday that Iran’s attacks on Gulf states were unforeseen.
“They weren’t supposed to go after all these other countries in the Middle East. Nobody expected that. We were shocked,” he said during remarks at the White House.
However, sources indicated that US intelligence had also warned that Iran might attempt to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route.
Retaliation spreads across region
Since the start of the conflict, Iranian missile and drone strikes have targeted US military bases and installations in Gulf countries, as well as civilian infrastructure including airports, hotels and energy facilities.
Iran has also disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes, contributing to rising global energy prices.
Lawmakers question threat assessment
Some US lawmakers have expressed concerns over the justification for the military campaign, stating that briefings did not indicate an imminent threat requiring immediate action.
Officials said intelligence assessments before the strikes had warned that attacks targeting Iranian leadership or military assets could provoke broader regional escalation, including strikes on US and allied positions.
The conflict began following joint military operations by the United States and Israel against Iranian targets on February 28.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence declined to comment on the reports, while the White House did not immediately respond to requests for clarification.