The United States and Israel are coordinating plans for potential military strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure, including power plants and refineries. Sources familiar with the matter stated that operations could begin as early as this weekend, though President Trump has not yet issued a final execution order. The discussions involve coordinating with Israeli forces to conduct what would be the most extensive bombing campaign against Iranian energy targets to date.
The move follows the collapse of a U.S.-brokered truce and the formal restart of U.S. combat operations in early July. While the U.S. and Israel have previously targeted dual-use infrastructure like bridges, the proposed plan focuses on crippling Iran's energy grid and fuel production. President Trump addressed the situation during a Friday cabinet meeting at Camp David, stating the U.S. would "be hitting them very hard" to compel Iran to change its behavior.
Official responses to the reports have been mixed. An Israeli official stated the country was unaware of a decision to restart full military operations or a request to join such an action. However, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the Department of War is "locked and loaded" and ready to execute directives. Within the White House, some political aides reportedly expressed opposition to the plan, while Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt affirmed that the administration intends to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
On a global scale, the impact would reach consumers and businesses through energy markets. Iran produces approximately 3 million barrels of oil per day; any disruption to this supply or the surrounding shipping lanes could lead to a significant increase in global fuel prices. This would manifest for American households as higher costs at the gas pump and increased utility bills. U.S. officials are reportedly attempting to time the strikes to conclude before financial markets open on Monday to mitigate sudden economic volatility, though an exact timeline has not been finalized.
Furthermore, the operation marks a significant shift in U.S. military policy in the region, signaling a transition from localized skirmishes to a broader campaign against sovereign state infrastructure. U.S. embassies in Jordan, Israel, and Iraq have already issued security alerts warning Americans of potential travel disruptions and airspace closures. What happens next depends on the President's final authorization. If the order is given, strikes could occur before the start of the business week on August 3, 2026, potentially triggering retaliatory actions or further escalation in the Strait of Hormuz.