US could strike Iran again as early as this weekend, officials say

International

A NEW round of US strikes against Iran could come as early as this weekend, as American forces prepare for possible action and President Donald Trump signals that the bombing campaign may continue, US officials said.

The United States is preparing military options as Trump seeks a resolution to the war, according to two US officials familiar with the plans. The officials said the scope of any potential strikes and the targets that could be selected remain unclear, and cautioned that the operation could still be called off.

Trump signaled earlier Friday that the bombing could continue, despite mounting pressure at home to wind down the conflict. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, the president expressed frustration with diplomatic efforts that have so far failed to produce a resolution and indicated that renewed military action remained on the table.

US Central Command has prepared options and readied forces for a possible expansion of the war, including a heavy two-week bombardment of Iranian missile sites, according to the officials.

US military planners have also considered strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure, the officials said.

The administration has been reluctant to target Iran’s

energy facilities because of concerns that Tehran could retaliate against infrastructure in Gulf countries, potentially disrupting global energy markets that are already under strain from the war.

The issue has also emerged in discussions with Israel.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said earlier this week that Israel’s leadership wanted to strike Iranian energy infrastructure to increase economic pressure on Tehran.

“We very much want to strike Iran’s energy targets — the US is not approving it at this time,” Israel Katz said in a CNN report.

There is no indication that Israel would participate in a new wave of US strikes on Iran.

The US military has also been preparing options for strikes against Iranian nuclear infrastructure, including Pickaxe

Mountain south of Tehran. The preparations are not limited to that site and have gathered momentum in recent days, the officials said.

The potential military action comes as the Trump administration continues to pursue a resolution to the conflict while maintaining preparations for further strikes.

Asked about reports that Trump had ordered a new round of weekend strikes, the White House said the president would not “stand by and allow this terrorist behavior to occur.”(MyTVCebu)