US intelligence informs Trump of Iranian regime’s weakest state – NYT
Photo: Protests in Iran on January 8, 2026 (Getty Images)
US intelligence informed US President Donald Trump that the Iranian government is currently the weakest it has been since 1979. Amid Tehran’s economic collapse, the US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, accompanied by missile ships, has arrived in the region, The New York Times reports.
Tehran at its weakest in decades
According to multiple US intelligence reports, the Iranian government’s authority has weakened to a level not seen since the Islamic Revolution of 1979.
Protests that erupted at the end of 2025 spread even to regions of the country traditionally considered strongholds of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
US intelligence notes that the historically weak economy has left the government unable to ease the financial burden on families. In addition, the violent crackdown on demonstrations in January 2026 further alienated the population from the authorities.
US 'armada' on combat duty
President Trump continues to threaten the use of force, describing the military group in the region as an "armada."
As of January 27, the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, accompanied by three ships armed with Tomahawk missiles, entered the area of responsibility of US Central Command.
In addition to the fleet, the Pentagon has reinforced strike aviation and defense: a dozen additional F-15E fighter-bombers have been deployed to the region, and Patriot and THAAD air defense systems have been positioned to protect US bases. It is also reported that long-range bombers within the US have been placed on heightened alert.
According to the outlet, if ordered by the White House, the carrier strike group could carry out an attack within one to two days.
Division among advisers and the position of allies
Despite the military’s readiness, discussions continue in Washington. Advisers are divided over the benefits of strikes, particularly if they would be merely symbolic attacks on elements of the government involved in the repression.
Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina stated that the US goal is to "end the regime," as the threat of executions of protesters remains real.
"They may stop killing them today, but if they’re in charge next month, they’ll kill them then," Graham said.
At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked Trump to postpone the attack temporarily.
Trump also reminded Iran of the possibility of strikes on the most fortified nuclear and research facilities, emphasizing that he is closely monitoring the regime’s actions.
Regional security and deterring pro-Iranian forces
US Central Command head Admiral Brad Cooper conducted a working visit to Israel, Iraq, and Syria to coordinate actions with allies.
A key objective of the trip was to inspect US military facilities and detention sites for militants in northeastern Syria.
Following the visit, it was revealed that the US has begun transferring Islamic State prisoners from Syria to Iraq. This is a preventive measure aimed at preventing mass escapes of militants amid the transition of Kurdish territories under Syrian government control.
The US also officially warned Iraqi officials that, in the event of attacks on US bases by Shiite militias due to tensions with Tehran, Washington would respond accordingly.
In addition to meetings in Baghdad and Israel, Trump administration officials held talks with leaders of Saudi Arabia and Qatar to stabilize the region.
At the end of 2025, widespread anti-government protests erupted in Iran, triggered by an economic crisis and the collapse of the national currency.
The Iranian government’s violent suppression of demonstrations has resulted in thousands of deaths over recent weeks. US President Donald Trump has officially warned Tehran that the US is prepared to take extremely tough action if executions of protesters continue.
To increase pressure on the regime, a powerful US naval flotilla, led by the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, has been sent to the Iranian coast. The White House has presented Tehran with a set of conditions for an agreement, including the full removal of enriched uranium and restrictions on its missile program.
