Fact Check: Iran's proxies could launch terror attacks if Trump orders military action.

Fact Check: "Iran's proxies could launch terror attacks if Trump orders military action."

What We Know

The claim that "Iran's proxies could launch terror attacks if Trump orders military action" is supported by various sources that outline Iran's history of using proxy groups to conduct operations against its adversaries. According to the National Security Presidential Memorandum/NSPM-2, Iran is described as the "world's leading state sponsor of terror," and it has a history of directing proxy groups, such as Hezbollah and the Houthis, to carry out attacks. The memorandum explicitly states that Iran has used agents and cyber-enabled means to target U.S. nationals globally, indicating a readiness to retaliate against perceived threats.

Additionally, the CIA World Factbook highlights Iran's support for various militant groups, which have been involved in terrorist activities. This context suggests that if military action were ordered against Iran, these proxies might indeed respond with attacks.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is substantial. The National Security Presidential Memorandum/NSPM-2 provides a direct assertion of Iran's capability and willingness to use proxies for attacks, especially in response to U.S. military actions. This document is a credible source as it originates from the U.S. government and reflects official intelligence assessments regarding Iran's military strategies.

Moreover, reports from Politico and the Washington Examiner corroborate the assertion that U.S. military actions or threats could provoke responses from Iranian proxies. For instance, the U.S. intelligence community has consistently assessed that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is determined to retaliate against U.S. interests, which further supports the claim that military action could trigger terror attacks.

However, it is essential to consider the potential for bias in these sources. Government documents may present a specific narrative that emphasizes threats to justify military or diplomatic actions. Nonetheless, the consistency across multiple credible sources reinforces the likelihood of a retaliatory response from Iranian proxies if military action is taken.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "Iran's proxies could launch terror attacks if Trump orders military action" is substantiated by credible sources that outline Iran's history of utilizing proxy groups for military and terrorist activities. The official assessments from the U.S. government and corroborating reports from reputable news organizations indicate a clear risk of such attacks in response to military actions against Iran.

Fact Check: Iran's proxies could launch terror attacks if Trump orders military action.