US and Israel Prepare Possible Major Strikes on Iran Amid Rising Middle East Tensions

Tensions in the Middle East are escalating as reports from the United States indicate preparations for a significant military strike against Iran's energy infrastructure. According to a CBS report, Washington and Israel are considering attacks on key Iranian energy targets, including power plants and refineries, potentially as early as the weekend or Sunday before the US trading week begins. Israeli officials have been briefed and are coordinating with the US, although an Israeli official later denied any decision to resume full-scale military operations or any US request for Israeli participation.

US embassies across the Middle East, including in Israel, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, have issued unusual advisories urging American citizens to prepare for immediate evacuation due to the risk of rapid escalation. These warnings also highlighted possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and disruptions to air travel.

Iran has responded with sharp threats, with a senior security official dismissing US media reports of an imminent attack as "madness." Tehran claims it has finalized a broad retaliation plan targeting vital Israeli infrastructure and US energy facilities in the region if attacked. Concurrently, incidents on the ground have intensified: a tanker was struck near the Strait of Hormuz, damaging its engine room but causing no casualties, and Kuwait announced it intercepted missiles launched from Iran. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards declared the Strait of Hormuz closed to navigation amid ongoing US threats, warning that continued pressure could impact other shipping routes and global energy markets, with repercussions for the global economy and the US itself.

US President Donald Trump has reportedly ordered preparations for renewed strikes on Iran, aiming to increase pressure until Tehran concedes, though diplomatic developments could delay or cancel these plans. The White House spokeswoman reiterated the US commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons during Trump's term. The situation remains fluid, with both military and diplomatic efforts ongoing amid heightened regional alertness.