Two US officials told ABC News that plans for airstrikes targeting Iranian energy infrastructure are in advanced stages, though the plans may still change. The report follows earlier reporting by CBS News tonight that Israel and the US are preparing a joint strike on Iran, possibly this weekend.
Two US officials told ABC News that the Pentagon's planning for strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure has reached an advanced stage, while noting that the operational plans remain subject to change. The statement is the latest confirmation of a widening US air campaign against Iran that has escalated throughout the summer.
The report comes just hours after CBS News, citing US and Israeli sources, reported that Washington and Jerusalem are preparing a joint strike on Iran, possibly as early as this weekend. As The Zioneer reported at 00:05, the CBS report indicated preparations for strikes that could target Iranian power plants and other energy assets.
Earlier this week, CNN reported that CENTCOM is preparing for a two-week heavy bombing campaign against Iranian missile sites. The US has been conducting sustained airstrikes against Iranian infrastructure since the collapse of the 'Islamabad' memorandum earlier in 2026, with the campaign expanding to include power plants and other strategic targets.
The specific scope of the planned strikes — whether they will involve Israeli participation or remain a US-only operation, and whether the reported advanced planning represents a final decision or a contingency — remains unclear. The ABC report cited two officials but did not provide a timeline for execution.
3 developments
- StrongSenior Iranian official threatens to target Israeli, US energy infrastructure if struck
- DevelopingU.S. official warns Israel will strike major Iranian facilities
- StrongUS reportedly preparing another wave of strikes, target list includes Iranian power plants
- DevelopingCBS: Tonight's strikes in Iran to be more extensive
Source and signal
A single-sourced dispatch is never rated Confirmed or Strong. Its Signal strengthens only when a second, independent source corroborates it.
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