US weighs strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure within days, Israel may join: Report
Washington DC, August 1
US President Donald Trump is considering launching air strikes against Iran's energy infrastructure within days in an attempt to compel Tehran to accept Washington's ceasefire terms, according to a report by Axios.
Citing an American official, Axios reported that while President Trump has yet to reach a final determination, internal discussions remain focused on attacks targeting Iranian infrastructure and energy facilities. The report stated that the contemplated campaign aims to intensify pressure on Tehran amidst ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
Axios further reported that Israel could join the operation, marking its first direct participation in strikes on Iran in several weeks. The report noted that such joint action could trigger renewed Iranian missile attacks against Israel.
According to the report, US officials assess that Iran has become "very aggressive" in recent days following attacks executed against American forces stationed in the region.
The developments align with a report by The Wall Street Journal stating that President Trump has ordered preparations for a renewed military campaign intended to pressure Tehran into surrendering, with potential operations launching as early as this weekend.
Separately, CBS News reported that the US and Israel are co-ordinating potential joint air strikes against energy-related targets, including petroleum refineries and power plants. The network reported that President Trump has not granted final authorisation for the campaign, adding that several White House aides raised objections during a Cabinet meeting.
The media reports emerge days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held discussions in Washington with President Trump and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
President Trump also appeared to signal impending military action during remarks at Camp David earlier today. "We'll be hitting them very hard and, you know, at some point they're going to say, 'We just can't take it anymore'," he said.
The US president has repeatedly warned of targeting critical Iranian assets during the ongoing conflict, stating last week that he would destroy bridges or power plants if commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz continued to come under attack.
Military engagement involving Iran, Israel, and the US has persisted for over five months, with limited indication of de-escalation as opposing sides maintain retaliatory actions alongside ongoing diplomatic negotiations.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The oil prices are going to skyrocket again! Our petrol prices just went up by ₹5 last week. This conflict is affecting common people everywhere, from Delhi to Tehran. Why can't world leaders sit and talk instead of striking?
Good move by US and Israel. Iran has been causing trouble for far too long, funding terrorism across the region. They've attacked American bases and shipping. Time for a decisive response. Though I worry about the fallout on global energy markets and our imports from the Gulf.
As a Westerner living in India, I see the huge difference in perspectives here. Indians seems more concerned about economic impact while Americans debate military strategy. Both are valid but I wonder who speaks for the innocent civilians on the ground.
It's always the same pattern - America creates instability, oil prices rise, India suffers. We import over 80% of our crude. Meanwhile Mr. Trump talks about "hitting them very hard" like it's some video game. The leadership in the West needs a reality check.
While I don't condone Iran's aggression, I question the long-term wisdom of attacking sovereign nations' energy infrastructure. This sets a dangerous precedent. What if someone did this to our refineries? We need a new global order where disputes are settled through international law, not raids. Jai Hind 🇮🇳
S We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.