US spy agencies examine how Iran would react to Trump declaring victory
US intelligence agencies are analyzing how Iran might respond if President Trump declares victory in the ongoing war. Officials are concerned that a quick de-escalation could embolden Iran, allowing it to rebuild its nuclear and missile programs. The political implications of the war are significant, with public opinion largely against the military campaign.
- ▪US officials fear that quick de-escalation may leave Iran emboldened.
- ▪Intelligence agencies are studying Iran's potential reaction to a US declaration of victory.
- ▪Only 26 percent of Americans believe the military campaign has been worth the costs.
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US spy agencies examine how Iran would react to Trump declaring victorySign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxUS officials fear that quick de-escalation may leave Iran emboldened, potentially rebuilding its nuclear and missile programmes and threatening US allies.PHOTO: REUTERSPublished Apr 29, 2026, 02:28 AMUpdated Apr 29, 2026, 05:47 AMListenWASHINGTON - US intelligence agencies are studying how Iran would respond if President Donald Trump were to declare a unilateral victory in the two-month-old war that has killed thousands and become a political liability for the White House, two US officials and a person familiar with the matter said.The intelligence community is analysing the question along with others at the request of senior administration officials.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.