**US and Israel Consider Major Bombing Campaign Against Iran's Energy Infrastructure**
The United States and Israel are reportedly preparing for a significant military operation targeting Iran's energy infrastructure, with potential strikes beginning as early as this weekend, according to various media outlets. This proposed campaign is said to focus on critical facilities, including power plants and oil refineries, and could represent one of the most severe bombing efforts against Iran to date.
Reports from CBS News and Axios indicate that discussions regarding the operation have taken place at high levels within the US government, with President Donald Trump weighing the decision to authorize the strikes. While some reports suggest that Trump has already given the green light for the attacks, others indicate that final authorization has yet to be issued.
Concerns over the potential impact of these strikes on global oil prices and the economy have been a significant factor in the timing of the operation. US officials have expressed a desire to complete the attacks before financial markets open on Monday, fearing disruptions that could arise from targeting Iranian energy facilities.
The planning for the strikes reportedly included discussions during a Cabinet meeting at Camp David, where military officials outlined strategies that could involve cutting electricity in Tehran and targeting specific energy-related installations. However, the Pentagon has refrained from commenting on potential targets prior to the president's final decision.
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell emphasized the military's readiness to act, stating that the Department of War is "locked and loaded" to execute the president's directives swiftly. Despite this readiness, an Israeli official has denied claims that Israel was asked to participate in the operation or was informed of any decisions regarding a full-scale military engagement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is said to have presented Trump with multiple military options during a recent meeting, which included targeting Iranian supply routes used to support military operations. Netanyahu's discussions also involved Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, highlighting the close coordination between the US and Israeli military strategies.
The proposed bombing campaign appears to be part of a broader strategy to pressure Tehran into accepting terms set by Washington in ongoing ceasefire negotiations. Should the joint operation proceed, it would mark a significant escalation in the conflict and could provoke Iran to respond with missile strikes against Israel, a scenario that has been avoided since the collapse of a previous memorandum of understanding.
As the situation develops, both American and Israeli forces are reportedly on high alert, preparing for a potential escalation in military actions that could have far-reaching implications for regional stability and international relations. The outcome of these deliberations will be closely watched by global markets and governments alike, as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise.