According to reporting by The New York Times, Western allies fear that if the United States launches a large-scale operation against Iran, Tehran could turn to its allied groups and urge them to strike American targets in Europe and the Middle East.

Citing intelligence sources, the newspaper notes that there is currently no direct evidence that such attacks are being prepared. However, Western intelligence services have registered a noticeable increase in intercepted communications linked to pro-Iranian movements. Officials quoted by the paper believe this surge may indicate that these groups are stepping up planning and coordinating potential operations.

The report points out that, in the event of a serious escalation, Iran could call on Yemeni Houthi forces to resume attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Tehran could also, according to the article, activate «sleeper» cells of Hezbollah to target US military bases or diplomatic missions.

Earlier, The New York Times outlined why a major operation against Iran would be far more difficult for Washington than an operation aimed at seizing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Among the key factors it listed were the risk of being drawn into a long regional conflict, the potential shock to global energy prices, and Iran’s far more substantial military capabilities compared with Venezuela.