Trump threatens 'very strong blows' against Iran as U.S. and Israel eye energy infrastructure

President Donald Trump has renewed his threat of "very strong blows" against Iran, as U.S. media reports indicate that the United States and Israel are preparing for a new series of massive bombings targeting the Islamic Republic's energy infrastructure.

"We will hit them very hard, and at some point, they will say 'we can't take it anymore,'" Trump assured during his cabinet meeting at Camp David. Five months after the war initiated by the U.S. and Israel, strikes continue from both sides, despite a "memorandum of understanding" for a ceasefire.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump is pursuing new bombings to compel Tehran to surrender. U.S. officials estimate the new wave of attacks could begin this weekend. The Iranian army struck U.S. bases in Jordan on Wednesday, followed by U.S.-Saudi bombings in Iraq against Tehran-backed factions. A new wave of U.S. attacks in Iran was also announced.

Pakistan, mediating negotiations, stated that talks are ongoing. However, Trump appears increasingly dissatisfied with the slow progress on both the battlefield and the negotiation table. CBS News reported that the U.S. and Israel are planning bombings against energy infrastructure in Iran, possibly over the weekend. They are considering completing these before markets open on Monday, and a power outage in Tehran is also being examined. Oil refineries and power plants are reportedly targets.

However, Trump has not yet ordered the commencement of U.S. operations, according to CBS sources. This operation would mark Israel's re-engagement in military operations after the collapse of the ceasefire in July. Some White House advisors reportedly expressed strong reservations about the plan during the cabinet meeting. Meanwhile, a tanker was hit by an unknown projectile near Oman, causing damage to its engine room and leaving it adrift. The UKMTO reported no casualties or environmental impact.

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We will hit them very hard, and at some point, they will say 'we can't take it anymore.'