Israel, US weighing wave of strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure - report

What Happened

The United States and Israel are planning a harsh bombing campaign on Iranian energy infrastructure, including power plants and refineries, according to a CBS News report citing multiple US sources. The strikes could begin over the weekend and would be among the harshest to date. US sources indicated that Israel has been notified and is coordinating with the American military, but President Donald Trump has not yet given final approval. The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump did authorize the plan, with US officials stating that immediate diplomatic progress could lead him to cancel it. One Israeli official denied the claims, telling CBS, "Israel is unaware of a decision to restart full military operations, nor has it been requested of Israel to join any military actions against Iran." The plan was reportedly discussed during a cabinet meeting at Camp David on Friday. Trump later told reporters, "We'll be hitting them very hard," and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump asserted that "Iran will not have a nuclear weapon under his watch." In response, a senior Iranian security official told Tasnim News that Tehran has prepared a "comprehensive plan to respond to any potential American recklessness," including targeting critical infrastructure in Israel and US energy infrastructure in the region.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

A large-scale US-Israeli bombing of Iranian energy infrastructure would mark a dramatic escalation of the US-Iran confrontation and directly implicate Israel in offensive operations, risking a broader regional war. It could severely disrupt global energy markets, draw retaliatory strikes on Israeli and US assets, and complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts. The timing, amid the Gaza war and existing Iran-Israel tensions, raises the stakes for miscalculation and further destabilization across the Middle East.

Watch For

Trump's final approval and any operational movements indicating imminent strikes; diplomatic interventions that could delay or cancel the plan; Iran's actual military posture and any preemptive or retaliatory actions against Israeli or US infrastructure; official statements from Washington, Jerusalem, and Tehran clarifying intent and red lines.