WASHINGTON, Jan. 20 -- The United States came close to launching military strikes against Iran amid escalating unrest, but ultimately stepped back due to operational constraints, diplomatic signals and concerns over regional retaliation, analysts and former officials say.

Read More: US slaps sanctions on Iran over crackdown on protesters - Daily Times

The crisis in Iran - driven by economic collapse, soaring inflation and widespread public anger - had prompted President Donald Trump to publicly warn Tehran against using force on protesters. Behind the scenes, however, strike preparations moved swiftly, according to an Axios investigation, with US forces repositioned from bases in Qatar and Bahrain, while Iran temporarily closed its airs...