The United States and Israel are planning what would be one of the harshest bombing campaigns to date against energy infrastructure targets in Iran, multiple US officials told CBS News, with strikes possible throughout the weekend of August 1-2. The proposed campaign would target key energy assets including petroleum refineries and power plants across Iran.
However, President Donald Trump has not yet issued final authorization for the operation, according to officials familiar with the matter. The hesitation comes as Washington balances military escalation against the risk of further disrupting global energy markets already strained by months of conflict in the region.
The planned strikes would mark a significant escalation in the ongoing US-Israeli campaign against Iran, which has seen multiple rounds of aerial bombardment since hostilities began in early 2026. Previous strikes have focused primarily on military targets, including missile sites and naval facilities near the Strait of Hormuz.
CBS News reported that Israel has been actively coordinating with US military planners on the joint operation. The collaboration signals deepening coordination between the two allies as the conflict with Iran enters what officials describe as a critical phase. The Wall Street Journal and The Hill both corroborated the reporting.
The energy-focused campaign comes amid ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has repeatedly threatened to disrupt oil shipping lanes. A Qatari LNG tanker was struck by a projectile while transiting the strait earlier this week, and Kuwait repelled fresh Iranian drone attacks on Saturday, underscoring the persistent threat to regional energy infrastructure.
Oil markets have been volatile since the conflict began, with crude prices fluctuating based on strikes, ceasefire talks, and shipping disruptions. An attack on Iran’s domestic energy infrastructure could further roil global supply chains, though some analysts argue it could weaken Tehran’s ability to sustain its military operations.
The US Department of Defense has not commented on the specific plans. White House officials declined to confirm whether a final decision had been made, though multiple sources across different agencies indicated the operation remained in active planning stages.
Sources: CBS News, The Hill, India Today
Author: Middle East Desk
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