US planning possible new strikes on Iran this weekend, officials say
- Aug 1
- 1 min read
WASHINGTON, August 1 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — The United States is preparing for possible new strikes against Iran as early as this weekend, according to two U.S. officials familiar with the plans.
The officials said the scale and targets had not been finalised and cautioned that the attacks could still be cancelled.
President Donald Trump signalled a return to heavy strikes during a Cabinet meeting on Friday after diplomatic efforts failed to produce an agreement.
“We will be hitting them very hard,” Trump said. “At some point, they’re going to say, ‘We just can’t take it anymore.’”
U.S. Central Command has prepared options that include two weeks of intensive attacks on Iranian missile sites. Military planners have also examined strikes against energy and nuclear facilities, including Pickaxe Mountain south of Tehran.
The administration has resisted targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure over concerns that Tehran could retaliate against Gulf facilities and further disrupt global energy markets.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel wanted to attack Iranian energy sites but had not received U.S. approval. There was no indication that Israel would participate in a new U.S. operation.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Iran would “continue to pay” until it entered talks on terms Trump considered meaningful.
Source: CNN
