The Department of War says it is locked and loaded, although reports differ on whether President Trump has issued a final order

The US and Israel are preparing a major bombing campaign against Iran's energy infrastructure that could begin as early as this weekend, according to multiple media reports.

The proposed operation would target power plants, oil refineries and other energy-related facilities in what CBS News described as potentially one of the harshest bombing campaigns against Iran to date. American and Israeli forces are reportedly coordinating their preparations, although the precise scope and duration of the operation have not been finalized.

CBS and Axios reported that President Donald Trump was seriously considering the operation but had not yet issued final authorization. The Wall Street Journal, citing separate US officials, subsequently claimed that Trump had already ordered a new attack on Iran that could begin over the weekend and last several days.

US officials have reportedly discussed completing the strikes before financial markets open on Monday because of concerns that attacks on Iranian energy facilities could disrupt oil prices and damage the US and global economies.

The strike plan was reportedly discussed during Trump's Cabinet meeting at Camp David on Friday. Some White House aides focused on domestic politics strongly opposed the escalation, CBS reported, although the president publicly indicated that heavier attacks were approaching.

"We'll be hitting them very hard," Trump told reporters during the Cabinet meeting. "At some point, they're going to say, 'We just can't take it anymore.'"

Military officials reportedly discussed cutting electricity across Tehran, while power plants and refineries were identified as likely targets. However, the Pentagon declined to discuss potential targets before Trump made a final decision.

"The Department of War is locked and loaded, ready to execute the president's directives at a moment's notice," chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said.

US sources said Israel had been notified and was coordinating with Washington, but an Israeli official denied that the country had been asked to participate or informed of any decision to resume full-scale operations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly presented Trump with three military options during their meeting earlier this week, including attacks on Iranian land routes used to resupply military forces. Netanyahu also met with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

Axios reported that the proposed attacks were intended to pressure Tehran into accepting Washington's terms in ongoing ceasefire negotiations.

A joint campaign would mark Israel's return to direct combat operations and risk prompting Iran to resume missile strikes against Israel, which it has not targeted since the earlier memorandum of understanding collapsed and the US restarted combat operations in July.

(RT.com)