US President Donald Trump has threatened to strike Iran “much harder” as Washington and Israel reportedly prepare contingency plans for a possible new military operation targeting key infrastructure.
American media reports said Trump is considering authorising a major strike as early as this weekend, with energy facilities among the potential targets, as tensions between Washington, Israel and Tehran continue to intensify.
The conflict, which began on February 28 after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran, has entered its fifth month, with both sides continuing to exchange attacks despite growing international calls for de-escalation.
“We are going to hit it very hard, and at some point they are going to say, ‘We cannot take it anymore’,” AFP cited Trump saying while chairing a Cabinet meeting at the presidential retreat, Camp David, in Maryland.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump had ordered preparations for a new attack aimed at forcing Tehran to surrender, citing US officials familiar with the discussions.
CBS News separately reported that the United States and Israel were drawing up plans for joint strikes against Iranian energy-related targets, including oil refineries and power generation facilities.
Trump has repeatedly threatened to target Iran’s critical infrastructure throughout the conflict. Last week, he warned that the United States would destroy a bridge or power plant each time ships were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz.
However, Trump has not yet given final approval for the reported operation, with US and Israeli officials continuing to coordinate possible military options, according to CBS News, which cited multiple sources.
The reports surfaced days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Washington for talks with Trump and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
CBS News also reported that several senior White House officials had strongly opposed the proposed operation during a Cabinet meeting.
If carried out, the strikes would mark the first time Israel has participated in direct attacks on Iran since the early stages of the conflict, potentially opening a new and more dangerous phase of the confrontation. - August 1, 2026
