01/08/2026
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01/08/2026
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WASHINGTON, Aug 1: The United States and Israel are reportedly preparing for a major military campaign targeting Iran's energy infrastructure, with strikes that could begin as early as this weekend, according to multiple media reports. Tehran, meanwhile, has warned it is ready to retaliate against US and Israeli interests if attacked.
According to CBS News, US and Israeli officials have been discussing what could become one of the most extensive bombing campaigns against Iranian energy facilities since the conflict began. The report said planners had considered concluding any military operation before global financial markets open on Monday to limit potential economic disruption, although no final deadline has been set.
The report said Israel has been briefed on the plans and is coordinating with Washington. However, President Donald Trump had not yet given final authorization for the strikes, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
An Israeli official told CBS News that Israel was not aware of any decision to resume full-scale military operations and had not been formally asked to participate in strikes against Iran.
Speaking during a Cabinet meeting at Camp David, Trump signaled that military action remained under consideration.
"We'll be hitting them very hard. At some point, they're going to say, 'We just can't take it anymore,'" Trump said.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the United States "will win" and reiterated that Iran would not be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon under Trump's administration.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the US military was "locked and loaded" but declined to discuss potential targets before a presidential decision.
According to CBS News, likely targets include power plants, oil refineries and other energy infrastructure, while US officials have also discussed the possibility of disrupting electricity supplies to Tehran.
Separately, The Wall Street Journal, citing US officials, reported that preparations for the new round of attacks were authorized during discussions at the Camp David presidential retreat.
The report added that Trump could suspend the planned strikes and return to negotiations with Iran if there is "immediate progress on the diplomatic front."
Meanwhile, Iran warned that any new US or Israeli attack would trigger a broad retaliation.
According to Tasnim News Agency, citing a senior Iranian security official, Tehran has prepared "a comprehensive plan" to respond to any potential strikes.
The official described reports of impending attacks as "a form of recklessness" and said Iran's response would target critical infrastructure in both Israel and US energy facilities across the region.
"We have prepared a comprehensive plan to respond... and we are ready to implement it," the official was quoted as saying.
The Iranian official also claimed that Tehran possesses both "the capability and the will" to retaliate against any US-Israeli military action.
The reports come amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, with both sides exchanging threats as diplomatic efforts remain uncertain.
