The United States and Israel are preparing what could become one of the most intense bombing campaigns against Iran’s energy infrastructure, with strikes possible as early as this weekend, according to CBS News and other outlets reporting Friday.
The plan was discussed during a cabinet meeting at Camp David, where President Trump said the U.S. would hit Iran “very hard.” However, Trump has not yet issued final authorization for the operation, sources told CBS News and the Wall Street Journal.
The reported targets include power plants and refineries, with U.S. officials also weighing the possibility of cutting electricity to Tehran, according to Anadolu Agency. There has been discussion of wrapping up any campaign before financial markets open on Monday, given concerns about potential economic fallout, though no firm deadline has been set.
Israel has been briefed on the plan and is coordinating with Washington, but an Israeli official told CBS News that Israel was not aware of any decision to resume full-scale military operations and had not been asked to join strikes against Iran. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the military was “locked and loaded” but declined to discuss specific targets ahead of a presidential decision.
The planned strikes represent an escalation in a conflict that began in February 2026, when U.S. and Israeli forces launched large-scale attacks on Iran. The broader campaign has already targeted nuclear facilities, military sites, and command centers, with U.S. and Iran trading missile strikes as the five-month conflict escalates. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy shipping route, has been effectively paralyzed, with Iran striking tankers and seizing vessels in the waterway.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump may halt the strikes and return to negotiations with Iran if there is “immediate progress on the diplomatic front.” White House spokesman Karoline Leavitt said the U.S. “will win” and that Iran would not be permitted to obtain a nuclear weapon under Trump’s watch.
Iran has signaled it is prepared to retaliate. Citing a senior Iranian security official, Tasnim News Agency reported Friday that Tehran has prepared “a comprehensive plan” to respond, which includes targeting critical infrastructure in both Israel and U.S. energy infrastructure in the region. The official claimed Iran has “capability and the will” to retaliate against U.S.-Israeli strikes, describing the reports of newly planned strikes as a “form of recklessness.”
The economic stakes are substantial. Earlier in the conflict, Brent crude surged past $91 as U.S.-Iran conflict escalated, and global markets have remained volatile throughout the five-month campaign. The targeting of energy infrastructure could further disrupt global oil supplies and energy prices.
Sources
- Anadolu Agency — reported the planned weekend strikes on energy infrastructure, Trump’s lack of final authorization, targets including power plants and refineries, discussion of wrapping up before Monday market open, and Iran’s retaliation plan
- CBS News — confirmed the U.S. and Israel planning bombing campaign on energy infrastructure, Trump’s lack of final authorization, Israel’s coordination but lack of full knowledge of operation, and Pentagon readiness statement
- Times of Israel — reported the planned strikes, Camp David cabinet meeting discussion, and Trump ordering fresh strikes to force Iran’s surrender
- Wall Street Journal — reported Trump’s authorization of strikes and the possibility of halting operations if diplomatic progress occurs
- Tasnim News Agency — reported Iran’s prepared comprehensive retaliation plan and claim of capability to strike back
