US, Israel weigh strikes on Iran energy sites as Trump withholds final order
US officials say Washington and Israel are preparing possible strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure, but Donald Trump has not given final approval. The planning has raised concerns over market disruption and prompted Iran to warn of retaliation against Israeli and US infrastructure.
The United States and Israel are preparing what could be one of the most extensive bombing campaigns targeting Iran's energy infrastructure, with strikes possible over the weekend, according to multiple US officials cited by CBS News. However, President Donald Trump has not yet issued the final authorisation for the operation.
The proposed campaign is expected to target key energy assets, including power plants and oil refineries, in an effort to weaken Iran's ability to sustain military operations and governance. Pentagon officials declined to comment on potential targets before a presidential decision.
STRIKES COULD CONCLUDE BEFORE GLOBAL MARKETS OPEN
According to the report, US officials discussed completing the operation before financial markets reopen on Monday amid concerns over the potential impact on global energy supplies and the wider economy. However, no final timeline has been agreed upon.
The report also said Israel has been kept informed of the planning and has coordinated closely with Washington. A joint operation would mark Israel's return to military action after suspending combat operations during the US-brokered truce.
ISRAEL SAYS NO DECISION TAKEN ON FULL MILITARY RETURN
Despite reports of coordination, an Israeli official told CBS News that no decision has been made to resume full-scale military operations against Iran and that Israel has not been asked to participate in any new offensive.
The military plans were reportedly discussed during President Trump's cabinet meeting at Camp David on Friday. While some White House officials reportedly opposed the move, Trump signalled a hardline stance, saying the US would hit Iran "very hard" and that Tehran would eventually be forced to relent.
WHITE HOUSE, PENTAGON SIGNAL MILITARY READINESS
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated that the administration's objective remains preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the US military is fully prepared to execute any directive issued by the president.
Officials also considered options such as disrupting electricity supplies to Tehran, although no decision had been taken as of Friday.
IRAN WARNS OF RETALIATION AGAINST US, ISRAEL
Iran responded with a fresh warning, with Tasnim News Agency quoting a senior security official as saying Tehran has prepared a comprehensive response to any "potential American recklessness."
According to the official, Iran's retaliation plan includes targeting critical infrastructure inside Israel as well as US energy infrastructure across the region. The warning follows Trump's recent statement that any Iranian attack on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz could trigger strikes on Iranian bridges or power plants.
The United States and Israel are preparing what could be one of the most extensive bombing campaigns targeting Iran's energy infrastructure, with strikes possible over the weekend, according to multiple US officials cited by CBS News. However, President Donald Trump has not yet issued the final authorisation for the operation.
The proposed campaign is expected to target key energy assets, including power plants and oil refineries, in an effort to weaken Iran's ability to sustain military operations and governance. Pentagon officials declined to comment on potential targets before a presidential decision.
STRIKES COULD CONCLUDE BEFORE GLOBAL MARKETS OPEN
According to the report, US officials discussed completing the operation before financial markets reopen on Monday amid concerns over the potential impact on global energy supplies and the wider economy. However, no final timeline has been agreed upon.
The report also said Israel has been kept informed of the planning and has coordinated closely with Washington. A joint operation would mark Israel's return to military action after suspending combat operations during the US-brokered truce.
ISRAEL SAYS NO DECISION TAKEN ON FULL MILITARY RETURN
Despite reports of coordination, an Israeli official told CBS News that no decision has been made to resume full-scale military operations against Iran and that Israel has not been asked to participate in any new offensive.
The military plans were reportedly discussed during President Trump's cabinet meeting at Camp David on Friday. While some White House officials reportedly opposed the move, Trump signalled a hardline stance, saying the US would hit Iran "very hard" and that Tehran would eventually be forced to relent.
WHITE HOUSE, PENTAGON SIGNAL MILITARY READINESS
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated that the administration's objective remains preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the US military is fully prepared to execute any directive issued by the president.
Officials also considered options such as disrupting electricity supplies to Tehran, although no decision had been taken as of Friday.
IRAN WARNS OF RETALIATION AGAINST US, ISRAEL
Iran responded with a fresh warning, with Tasnim News Agency quoting a senior security official as saying Tehran has prepared a comprehensive response to any "potential American recklessness."
According to the official, Iran's retaliation plan includes targeting critical infrastructure inside Israel as well as US energy infrastructure across the region. The warning follows Trump's recent statement that any Iranian attack on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz could trigger strikes on Iranian bridges or power plants.
The United States and Israel are preparing what could be one of the most extensive bombing campaigns targeting Iran's energy infrastructure, with strikes possible over the weekend, according to multiple US officials cited by CBS News. However, President Donald Trump has not yet issued the final authorisation for the operation.
The proposed campaign is expected to target key energy assets, including power plants and oil refineries, in an effort to weaken Iran's ability to sustain military operations and governance. Pentagon officials declined to comment on potential targets before a presidential decision.
STRIKES COULD CONCLUDE BEFORE GLOBAL MARKETS OPEN
According to the report, US officials discussed completing the operation before financial markets reopen on Monday amid concerns over the potential impact on global energy supplies and the wider economy. However, no final timeline has been agreed upon.
The report also said Israel has been kept informed of the planning and has coordinated closely with Washington. A joint operation would mark Israel's return to military action after suspending combat operations during the US-brokered truce.
ISRAEL SAYS NO DECISION TAKEN ON FULL MILITARY RETURN
Despite reports of coordination, an Israeli official told CBS News that no decision has been made to resume full-scale military operations against Iran and that Israel has not been asked to participate in any new offensive.
The military plans were reportedly discussed during President Trump's cabinet meeting at Camp David on Friday. While some White House officials reportedly opposed the move, Trump signalled a hardline stance, saying the US would hit Iran "very hard" and that Tehran would eventually be forced to relent.
WHITE HOUSE, PENTAGON SIGNAL MILITARY READINESS
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated that the administration's objective remains preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the US military is fully prepared to execute any directive issued by the president.
Officials also considered options such as disrupting electricity supplies to Tehran, although no decision had been taken as of Friday.
IRAN WARNS OF RETALIATION AGAINST US, ISRAEL
Iran responded with a fresh warning, with Tasnim News Agency quoting a senior security official as saying Tehran has prepared a comprehensive response to any "potential American recklessness."
According to the official, Iran's retaliation plan includes targeting critical infrastructure inside Israel as well as US energy infrastructure across the region. The warning follows Trump's recent statement that any Iranian attack on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz could trigger strikes on Iranian bridges or power plants.
