President Donald Trump issued a firm warning on Friday, threatening "very strongly" to strike Iran. U.S. media have reported that Trump is contemplating intense attacks this weekend, targeting primarily Iranian energy infrastructure.
Over five months into the conflict that began on February 28 following Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran, the situation appears to be at a stalemate, with ongoing retaliatory attacks continuing.
During a Cabinet meeting at Camp David in Maryland, Trump stated, "We will hit them very hard, and at some point, as you know, they'll say 'we can't take it anymore.'"
The Wall Street Journal cited unidentified U.S. officials indicating that Trump has ordered a new offensive aiming to force Iran into submission, potentially commencing this weekend.
Additionally, CBS News reported that the U.S. and Israel are planning joint strikes on Iranian energy facilities, possibly during the weekend, targeting oil refineries and power plants.
Throughout the conflict, Trump has threatened to strike Iran's critical infrastructure, pledging last week to destroy a bridge or power station each time attacks occur on ships in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
CBS quoted multiple unnamed sources saying the President has not yet fully authorized the bombing campaign, but that Israel and the U.S. have coordinated on the plans.
These developments follow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent visit to Washington, where he met with Trump and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The CBS report also noted that several White House advisers opposed the plan during the Cabinet meeting.
If executed, these strikes would mark the first instances of Israeli involvement since the initial phase of the conflict.