U.S., Israel Weigh Fresh Strikes on Iran’s Energy Facilities as Military Plans Advance
The United States and Israel are preparing for what could become one of the most significant attacks yet on Iran’s energy infrastructure, with military action under consideration as early as this weekend, according to multiple officials familiar with the discussions.
Sources told CBS News that the proposed operation would focus on facilities linked to Iran’s energy sector, including power plants and oil refineries.
Officials reportedly considered completing any strikes before global financial markets reopen on Monday to limit potential economic disruption, although no final timetable has been agreed.
While the two allies are coordinating closely, sources said President Donald Trump has not yet issued the final authorization for military action.
If approved, the operation would mark Israel’s return to active combat operations after suspending its military campaign during a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Fighting resumed after the truce collapsed and the United States restarted military operations in early July.
An Israeli official, however, said no final decision had been communicated to Israel regarding a full-scale resumption of military operations and that no formal request to participate in fresh strikes had been received.
The possibility of military action was reportedly discussed during President Trump’s Cabinet meeting at Camp David on Friday.
According to people familiar with the meeting, some White House officials expressed concerns about the political and economic consequences of expanding the conflict.
Speaking to reporters, Trump signaled a tough approach toward Tehran.
“We’ll be hitting them very hard. At some point, they’re going to say, ‘We just can’t take it anymore.’”
When asked whether diplomacy remained an option, the president replied:
“I think we just want to win.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later said the administration remained committed to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, while Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell declined to discuss potential targets before any presidential decision.
Parnell said the U.S. military was prepared to act immediately if directed by the commander-in-chief.
Amid the rising tensions, several U.S. embassies across the Middle East, including those in Jordan, Jerusalem and Iraq, issued security alerts advising American citizens to remain vigilant because of the possibility of travel disruptions, airspace closures and escalating regional instability.
Officials familiar with military planning said discussions have also included possible attacks on infrastructure supplying electricity in Tehran, although no decision has been taken.
The latest developments come as the conflict between Iran and its adversaries continues to widen, with Washington and its allies weighing further military and diplomatic options.
