CBS News reports that the United States and Israel are preparing strikes on Iranian power plants and oil refineries, with possible action as early as this weekend. However, according to the report, President Trump has not given final approval, and an Israeli official said Israel was not formally asked to join the operation.
At 00:55 Saturday, a new CBS News report indicates that US-Israel strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure are possible this weekend, but President Trump has not given final approval. An Israeli official said Israel was not formally asked to join the operation. The target list reportedly includes power plants and oil refineries, part of a strategy to increase pressure on the regime.
The Zioneer first reported on this story at 23:57 Friday, when CBS cited unnamed officials saying the US and Israel were prepared to strike Iranian power plants. Over the following minutes, The Zioneer published multiple updates: the target list expanded to broader energy infrastructure; reports spoke of a joint US-Israel strike; Israeli media confirmed discussions; and by the latest previous report at 23:57, the operation was described as potentially the most extensive strikes on Iranian energy yet, but still pending presidential approval. The sourcing evolved from a single source to multiple American officials, and the timing was discussed to avoid extending beyond Monday's market opening.
As The Zioneer reported earlier Friday, the Israeli security establishment has been engaged in high-level strategic discussions with the US administration regarding a prolonged military campaign. This follows the collapse of the 'Islamabad' memorandum earlier in 2026, which led to sustained US air campaigns against Iranian strategic infrastructure. The Trump administration has consistently signaled a shift to infrastructure targets, with the President identifying power plants and bridges as primary targets.
The operation has not yet been approved, and the nature of Israeli involvement remains unclear. An Israeli official said Israel was not formally asked to join, despite earlier reports of joint preparations. The decision rests with President Trump.
11 developments
- DevelopingSenior Israeli officials: Iran still deliberating attack, US may ask Israel to join campaign
- DevelopingSenior US official: Administration not working to resume Iran talks at this stage
- StrongFars News: US retreats from some positions in Iran talks, Tehran reviewing offers
- StrongAmichai Stein: US-Iran talks now test Israel's Lebanon war scope
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