US and Israel Reportedly Prepare to Strike Iranian Energy Infrastructure This Weekend
The United States and Israel are reportedly preparing to launch massive attacks against Iran. Energy infrastructure, ranging from power plants to oil refineries, is said to be the target of military operations which, according to US media reports, could take place this weekend.
As reported by CBS News and the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on Saturday (1/8/202<0xA0>6), the attack plan is based on statements from several officials in Washington and Tel Aviv. Discussions are reportedly aimed at completing the military operation before financial markets open on Monday (3/8) local time. This consideration is being made to minimise economic impact, although no definitive deadline has been set so far.
According to several sources cited by CBS News, Israel has received briefings and is currently coordinating with Washington. However, President Donald Trump is said to have not yet given final approval for the military operation. An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told CBS News that Tel Aviv has not yet been informed of a decision to proceed with a full-scale military operation, and Israel has reportedly not yet been asked to participate in the strikes against Iran.
Speaking during a cabinet meeting at Camp David, Maryland, Trump issued his latest threat to Tehran: “We will hit them very hard. At some point, they will say, ‘we really can’t take it anymore’,” he said. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that the US will “win” and that Iran will not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons during Trump’s presidency.
Meanwhile, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that the department is on full alert. However, he declined to discuss specific targets before an official decision is made by the president. CBS News reports suggest that Iranian power plants and oil refineries are likely targets, with US officials also considering options to cut off electricity to Tehran.
In a separate report, the WSJ, quoting several US officials, noted that the attack plan was approved during a cabinet meeting at Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland. Nevertheless, officials stated that Trump could still cancel the plan and return to the negotiating path with Iran if immediate progress is made in diplomacy. If carried out, this would mark the first time Israel has attacked Iran since the initial ceasefire was implemented last April.
Iran Prepares Retaliation Plan
On the other hand, the Tasnim News Agency, quoting a senior Iranian security official, reported that Tehran has prepared a comprehensive plan to respond to any potential US attack. The senior Iranian security official described reports regarding the latest attack plan on targets in Tehran as reckless.
“We have prepared a comprehensive plan to respond, which includes vital infrastructure in Israel and United States energy infrastructure in the region, and we are ready to execute it,” the senior Iranian official asserted. He added that Iran possesses the capability and the determination to retaliate against any US-Israel attack.