US, 'Israel' prepare possible strikes on Iran's energy sector: CBS News

• CBS News reports the US and 'Israel' are preparing potential strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure, with operations possibly beginning this weekend.
• US President Donald Trump has not yet issued a final order, while US and 'Israeli' officials have offered differing accounts of the planning.

The United States and 'Israel' are preparing for what could become one of the most extensive bombing campaigns targeting Iran's energy infrastructure since the war began, according to multiple sources cited by CBS News. The strikes could take place over the weekend, although President Donald Trump has not yet given final approval.

According to the report, potential targets include power plants and oil refineries. US officials also discussed the possibility of disrupting electricity supplies in Tehran, although no final decision had been reached as of Friday.

Sources said planners had considered completing the operation before global financial markets open on Monday because of concerns over the economic impact, but no firm timeline had been established.

Multiple US sources told CBS News that 'Israeli' officials had been informed of the planning and were coordinating with Washington.

However, an 'Israeli' official disputed that characterization, telling CBS News that "Israel is unaware of a decision to restart full military operations, nor has been requested of Israel to join any military actions against Iran."

If carried out jointly, the operation would mark 'Israel's' return to major combat operations after it paused military activity during the US-brokered truce. Iran has not launched attacks on 'Israel' since the ceasefire memorandum collapsed and the US resumed combat operations in early July.

The reported strike plans were discussed during Trump's Cabinet meeting at Camp David on Friday. According to CBS News, some White House political advisers expressed opposition to expanding military operations.

Speaking to reporters before the meeting ended, Trump said the United States would strike Iran "very hard."

"We'll be hitting them very hard. At some point, they're going to say, 'We just can't take it anymore,'" Trump said.

When asked about the prospects for diplomacy, Trump replied, "I think we just want to win."

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump remains committed to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Meanwhile, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell declined to discuss potential targets before a presidential decision, saying the US military was prepared to carry out any orders issued by the president.

According to CBS News, a former US military official said strikes on energy infrastructure could reduce Iran's ability to support military operations and maintain government services.

The report also noted that Trump recently warned he would order strikes on Iranian bridges or power plants in response to any attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.