CBS News and the Wall Street Journal report that the United States and Israel are planning one of the most extensive and powerful waves of strikes yet against Iran's energy infrastructure, with operations potentially lasting throughout the weekend. The Wall Street Journal, citing American officials, says President Donald Trump has ordered a new attack aimed at forcing Tehran to surrender, which could begin as early as this weekend and last several days.
Saturday night's reports from CBS News and the Wall Street Journal mark a significant escalation in the reported planning for a US-Israeli strike on Iran. According to CBS, the United States and Israel are planning one of the most extensive and powerful waves of strikes yet against Iran's energy infrastructure, with operations potentially continuing throughout the weekend. The Wall Street Journal, citing American officials, reports that President Donald Trump has ordered a new attack aimed at forcing Tehran to surrender, which could begin as early as this weekend and last several days.
The evening's developments began at 19:51 Jerusalem, when initial reports indicated Israel had raised its defense alert levels amid tensions with Iran. Israeli sources at 20:05 described Trump as close to a decision on a strike. At 20:29, CBS reported that the US and Israel had discussed a strike as early as this weekend, but Trump had not yet approved. By 21:12, The Zioneer reported that Israel had raised its defense readiness amid assessments of Iranian retaliation. At 21:17, a report indicated Trump was examining an immediate order to strike energy facilities. The source quality evolved from brief Israeli alerts (19:51) to detailed reports from major US outlets (20:29, 21:41) with specific planning and approval.
As The Zioneer reported on Tuesday, July 21, the US military had been preparing attack options and deploying fighter jets to the region as Trump weighed wider strikes. On Saturday at 03:06 Jerusalem, a senior US official confirmed that the US and Israel were on course for another joint strike. Trump had previously announced two significant waves of attacks on Iran on July 14. These reports identify the energy sector as a likely target.
The timing of the planned strikes has not been finalized; while the WSJ reports Trump has ordered the attack, other sources previously indicated no final decision. The scope of Israeli involvement remains unclear. Iran's response, including potential retaliation against Israel, remains a key concern.
10 developments
- StrongSenior US official: US and Israel on course for another joint strike on Iran
- Developingi24NEWS: Israeli officials assess US accelerating preparations for renewed conflict with Iran
- DevelopingSenior Israeli official: fateful week for potential renewal of campaign against Iran
- DevelopingChannel 14: US reinforcing forces in Middle East, ready to renew fighting with Iran
Source and signal
- Open-source intake