Photo posted on X by the U.S., announcing it had resumed a naval blockade against Iran as of 4 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on the 14th (5 a.m. Korea time on the 15th). U.S. Central Command X
Tensions in the Middle East are flaring again amid reports that the United States and Israel are preparing large-scale strikes targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure, including its oil and gas facilities. US media outlets reported that the attack could directly target Iran’s military and economic foundations. Iran warned that if attacks by the United States and Israel materialize, US-related facilities in the Middle East could also become targets for retaliation.
CBS reported on the 31st, citing multiple sources, that the United States and Israel were discussing plans for airstrikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure this weekend (August 1-2). However, CBS said that US President Donald Trump had not yet reached the stage of granting final approval.
According to the report, the US side is understood to have also considered wrapping up the operation before markets open on the 3rd following the weekend attack, taking into account the shock to global financial markets. However, the specific duration and scope of the operation have not been finalized.
By contrast, the US daily The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported, citing a US official, that President Trump had ordered new strikes to pressure Iran. The WSJ reported that the operation could begin over the weekend and continue for several days, while also explaining that the attack plans could change if diplomatic progress is made.
The two outlets conveyed conflicting accounts on whether Trump had given final approval, but they offered a common analysis in that the United States and Israel are considering intense military action against Iran.
The energy facilities being cited as targets of the strikes are a core foundation of Iran’s economy and national operations. Oil and gas exports are a major source of revenue sustaining Iran’s economy, and power infrastructure such as power plants is directly tied to citizens’ lives. For this reason, analysts say that if an attack on these facilities materializes, it could place considerable pressure on the Iranian regime.
CBS, citing a former US military official, referred to the purpose of an attack on energy infrastructure, noting that “it could deal a blow to the Iranian military’s logistical support capability and its ability to govern effectively.”
Iran immediately pushed back. A senior Iranian security official criticized the attack plans reported by US media as “madness” through the Tasnim news agency, saying, “We are preparing a broad response plan that includes Israel’s key infrastructure and US energy facilities in the Middle East.”
Tensions between the United States and Iran have persisted even after the ceasefire in June. The two countries at one point entered a phase of ceasefire negotiations, but the possibility of military conflict has grown as disputes over control of the Strait of Hormuz and other issues flared up again.
President Trump raised the pressure at a recent cabinet meeting, saying of Iran, “We will hit them very hard.” He had earlier warned that he could bomb Iran’s bridges and power plants if attacks on vessels occurred in the Strait of Hormuz.
Some observers, however, say that whether an actual attack takes place depends on diplomatic variables. The WSJ analyzed that finding a breakthrough in negotiations would not be easy amid deepening distrust between the United States and Iran, while not ruling out the possibility of continued diplomatic moves.
If Israel joins the United States in attacking Iran, it would mean the resumption of direct military intervention that had been halted for a while since the June ceasefire. If a conflict over energy facilities materializes, it is expected to have a significant impact not only on tensions in the Middle East but also on international oil prices and global supply chains.