The United States is considering a new wave of military strikes against Iran that could begin as early as this weekend, potentially targeting Iranian energy infrastructure in one of the largest operations of the six-month conflict. Israel may also rejoin the campaign, though President Donald Trump has not yet issued a final order to launch the raids. At a cabinet meeting at Camp David on Friday, Trump pledged to strike Iran "very hard."
Iran responded with threats of retaliatory strikes on critical infrastructure in Israel and Gulf states, with the state-affiliated Fars news agency warning that globally significant energy facilities in Saudi Arabia and Qatar are within range of Iranian missiles. Tasnim cited a senior Iranian security official as saying a comprehensive counterattack plan is in place, listing installations in Kuwait and the UAE as potential targets.
Iran has struck Gulf energy assets with missiles and drones since the war began in late February, including Qatar's LNG facilities and Kuwaiti oil installations. Gulf air defences have intercepted many projectiles, but Patriot missile stockpiles are reportedly running low. A tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile off Oman, sustaining engine-room damage. A June framework agreement failed to produce a lasting ceasefire.