The United States and Israel are reportedly preparing for what could become one of the most extensive bombing campaigns of the ongoing conflict, with Iran's energy infrastructure emerging as the primary target. According to a CBS News report citing multiple US officials, military strikes against key Iranian energy facilities could begin as early as this weekend, although President Donald Trump has not yet given final approval for the operation.
The report said US officials are weighing the timing of any military action carefully, with discussions including whether operations should conclude before global financial markets open on Monday. Officials are said to be concerned that attacks on Iran's energy sector could trigger significant disruptions in global oil supplies and financial markets, potentially leading to sharp increases in energy prices and heightened economic uncertainty.
Despite the advanced planning, the report noted that no final timeline has been established and President Trump has yet to authorize the operation. The absence of a final decision reflects ongoing deliberations within the US administration over the strategic and economic consequences of such a large-scale military campaign.
According to CBS News, Israeli officials have been kept informed of the planning process and are coordinating closely with Washington. If launched jointly, the operation would mark Israel's return to direct military action against Iran after it suspended combat operations during a US-brokered truce that temporarily reduced hostilities between the two countries.
However, an Israeli official quoted in the report denied that any formal decision had been communicated to Jerusalem regarding renewed military operations.
"Israel is unaware of a decision to restart full military operations, nor has been requested of Israel to join any military actions against Iran," the official said, suggesting that while consultations are ongoing, no operational directive has yet been issued.
The report comes amid renewed tensions in the region following the collapse of a memorandum of understanding and the resumption of US military operations in early July. Since then, Iran has refrained from launching fresh attacks on Israel, a development that had raised hopes of preventing a broader regional escalation.
Any strike on Iran's energy infrastructure would represent a significant escalation in the conflict, targeting facilities that are central to the country's economy and oil production. Analysts have warned that such attacks could have far-reaching consequences beyond the battlefield, including disruptions to global energy markets, increased shipping risks in the Gulf region, and heightened geopolitical instability.
Neither the White House nor the Pentagon has officially confirmed the reported plans, and Iranian authorities have not issued an immediate response to the CBS News report.
With military preparations reportedly underway but final approval still pending, the coming days are expected to be critical in determining whether diplomatic restraint prevails or the conflict enters a more dangerous phase with potentially global economic repercussions.
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