US, Israel Plan Major Iran Energy Strikes as Strait of Hormuz Remains Closed

The United States and Israel are preparing what could be the harshest bombing campaign to date against Iranian energy infrastructure, with strikes possible as soon as this weekend, according to multiple U.S. officials. President Trump has not yet given final approval. The escalation follows Iran’s strikes on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and drone attacks on U.S. military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. Oil prices have climbed past $90 per barrel amid the closure of the critical shipping lane.

Trump weighs energy infrastructure targets

President Trump discussed the potential strikes during a Friday Cabinet meeting at Camp David but has not issued a final order, according to sources briefed on the discussions. The campaign would target power plants and refineries across Iran. U.S. Central Command has prepared plans for a two-week air campaign, but some officials believe a shorter, more severe strike could push Iran toward negotiations. Trump told reporters: “We’ll be hitting them very hard. At some point, they’re going to say, ‘We just can’t take it anymore.'” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump vowed that “the United States will win, and Iran will not have a nuclear weapon under his watch.”

Strait of Hormuz nearly shut down

Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to most shipping since the war resumed in early July. On Friday, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it struck two tankers attempting to pass through the strait under U.S. military escort and claimed four other tankers “quickly changed course and returned to their previous positions.” The strait, which handles roughly one-third of global seaborne oil trade, has been virtually impassable for weeks. Crude oil prices pushed past $90 per barrel on Thursday after the latest U.S. strikes on Iran.

Iran expands attacks across the region

Iran’s military said Friday it launched drone strikes on U.S. military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain, targeting aircraft shelters, communication systems, and power generators. The attacks followed a drone strike on Egypt’s port of Damietta that hit two ships and triggered a fire, marking the first direct attack on Egyptian soil since the war began in late February. Kuwait’s defense ministry said it shot down Iranian drones targeting vital facilities without casualties. The widening conflict has drawn in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and other regional powers.

Israel’s role remains unclear amid diplomatic tensions

Israeli officials have been notified of the potential strikes and are coordinating with U.S. forces, but an Israeli official told CBS News: “Israel is unaware of a decision to restart full military operations, nor has it been requested of Israel to join any military actions against Iran.” Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz previously stated: “We very much want to strike Iran’s energy targets, the U.S. is not approving it at this time.” There is no indication Israel would take part in a new wave of U.S. strikes on Iran. Some White House aides focused on politics were strongly opposed to the plan, according to sources.

Military readiness and global economic concerns

Senior military leaders have warned Trump that U.S. munitions stockpiles are running low, especially interceptors, though the White House and Pentagon have denied the reports. The Pentagon said defense companies are producing munitions “than ever before.” There was discussion about concluding the strikes before financial markets open Monday due to concern about how the bombings will affect the U.S. and global economy. Iran has threatened to retaliate against strikes on its energy sites by hitting Israeli targets and U.S. energy infrastructure in the Middle East, according to Iranian state media.

Final Thoughts

Trump’s weekend strike plans remain conditional on final approval and could shift if diplomatic progress emerges. The Strait of Hormuz closure and oil prices above $90 per barrel underscore the conflict’s mounting economic toll on U.S. consumers and global markets.

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