Iran vows to strike US, Israeli energy sites if attacked

Iran issued a stark warning on Saturday that it would strike Israeli infrastructure and American energy facilities across the Middle East if the United States launches a new round of military operations against the Islamic Republic, as reports indicated President Donald Trump was preparing to order fresh strikes potentially beginning this weekend.

Tehran's Retaliatory Threat

A senior Iranian security official, quoted by the Revolutionary Guard-affiliated Tasnim News Agency, called reports of prospective US strikes on Iranian infrastructure "an act of madness". The official said Tehran has prepared comprehensive retaliatory plans encompassing strikes on critical installations in Israel and US energy assets throughout the region.economictimes+2

Fars News Agency reported that Iranian officials warned major energy facilities in Saudi Arabia and Qatar are within range of Iranian missiles, with facilities in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates also identified as potential targets. The official cited Iran's performance during what was described as the "40-day war" as evidence of its military capability and resolve.news.meaww+2

Trump Weighs Escalation

The Iranian warning came hours after CBS News and The Wall Street Journal ↘ 1.67% reported that the US and Israel are planning what could be the most severe strikes yet on Iran's energy infrastructure. CBS News reported the targets would include power plants, refineries, and other energy facilities central to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' ability to govern.wsj+1

The plan reportedly came up during a Cabinet meeting at Camp David on Friday, though Trump had not yet given final orders for the strikes. Speaking to reporters, the president warned, "We'll be hitting them very hard," adding that Iran would reach a point where it "just can't take it anymore".youtube+2

A Fragile and Volatile Situation

The latest escalation follows weeks of intermittent military exchanges between the US and Iran. According to Axios, Trump had paused strikes on July 25 to allow space for diplomacy after approving daily attacks over the preceding 13 days. Iran then launched a surprise ballistic missile strike on US forces in the region, prompting Trump to pledge forceful retaliation.axios+2

A brief diplomatic opening in June, when Trump announced a possible deal with Iran, collapsed after Tehran denied that its leadership had approved any agreement. Israel and Iran last exchanged direct fire in early June, and CBS News reported that Israel is now coordinating with the US on potential joint operations.youtube+2

The renewed threats from both sides have raised concerns that further military action could trigger a wider regional conflict affecting energy supplies and strategic infrastructure across the Middle East.