US President Donald Trump is considering launching strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure within days in a bid to force Tehran to accept Washington’s ceasefire terms, according to a report by Axios.
Citing a US official, Axios reported that Trump has not yet made a final decision, but discussions are focused on attacks targeting Iran’s energy and infrastructure facilities. The report said the proposed campaign is aimed at increasing pressure on Iran during ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
Axios also reported that Israel could join the operation, marking its first direct participation in strikes on Iran in several weeks. Such a move, the report noted, could trigger fresh Iranian missile attacks on Israel.
The report added that US officials believe Iran has become “very aggressive" in recent days following attacks on American forces in the region.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump had ordered preparations for a fresh military campaign designed to pressure Tehran into surrendering, with operations potentially beginning as early as this weekend.
CBS News also reported that the US and Israel were coordinating possible joint strikes on energy-related targets, including oil refineries and power plants. The network said Trump had not yet given final approval for the operation and that some White House aides had raised objections during a Cabinet meeting.
The reports come days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Trump and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington.
Trump also appeared to hint at possible military action while speaking at Camp David earlier today. “We’ll be hitting them very hard and, you know, at some point they’re going to say, ‘We just can’t take it anymore’," he said.
The US president has repeatedly threatened to target Iran’s critical infrastructure during the war, warning last week that he would destroy bridges or power plants if ships in the Strait of Hormuz continued to come under attack.
The war between Iran, Israel and the US has continued for more than five months, with little sign of de-escalation as both sides resume tit-for-tat attacks despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
