Two U.S. officials familiar with the matter said the Trump administration is planning a new round of strikes against Iran this week, although the scope and targets have not been finalized and the plan could be canceled.
At a cabinet meeting on July 31, Trump signaled another major strike against Iran and voiced dissatisfaction that diplomatic efforts had not produced the expected results.
Trump was quoted as saying, “We will launch a very severe strike against them. At some point they will say, ‘We can’t take it anymore.’”
U.S. officials said CENTCOM had prepared options including a sustained two-week bombing campaign against Iranian missile sites and possible strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure, but the administration was cautious because Iran could retaliate against Gulf energy installations and disrupt global energy markets.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel wanted to strike Iranian energy sites to increase economic pressure, while adding that the United States had not yet authorized such action.
There was no indication that Israel would directly take part in the new U.S. strikes.
U.S. officials said preparations had been strengthened in recent days for strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, including Peak Axe mountain south of Tehran.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Iran would have to “pay the price” until it agreed to the meaningful talks Trump was proposing.