Bush authorizes covert operation against Iran

ABCNews is reporting.

The CIA has received secret presidential approval to mount a covert "black" operation to destabilize the Iranian government, current and former officials in the intelligence community tell the Blotter on ABCNews.com.

The sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the subject, say President Bush has signed a "nonlethal presidential finding" that puts into motion a CIA plan that reportedly includes a coordinated campaign of propaganda, disinformation and manipulation of Iran's currency and international financial transactions.....

This report speculates that this is a rebuff to Cheney who has been pushing a military strike. Elliot Abrams and Stephen Hadley "signed off."

This is likely in response to the recent report of steps forward in the Iranian nuclear program.

I'm sure the Iranians will take this lying down. (Video here.)

(There's also the mention that the US has been indirectly supporting the "cross border" Sunni terror group Jundullah.

Take a look at the Hersh post below to see the wisdom of this.)

(Also today, Bush declassified one piece of intel linking Bin Laden, Zarqawi, and the US ahead of his speech at the Coast Guard commencement.)