Israel Prepares for Strikes on Iranian Energy Infrastructure with US Approval — Sky News

Israel is taking significant steps to prepare for possible military strikes against Iran's energy infrastructure, but is currently awaiting political approval from the United States. According to a senior official in the Israeli defense ministry, plans for these attacks have already been developed; however, the final decision hinges on receiving the 'green light' from the U.S.

This announcement comes amid new threats issued by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has initiated a 48-hour ultimatum for Iran. Trump has demanded that Tehran either open the Strait of Hormuz or be ready for negotiations; otherwise, he has threatened further large-scale military strikes.

On February 28, a joint military operation between the U.S. and Israel against the Iranian regime commenced, named 'Epic Fury' by the United States and 'Lion's Roar' by Israel. This operation resulted in the elimination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, marking a significant blow to the Iranian government.

In retaliation for the strikes from the U.S. and Israel, Iran began launching ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israeli territory, as well as aiming at Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. Documented attacks on U.S. military bases in the region indicate an escalation of the conflict.

On March 28, Reuters reported that one month after the military operation against Iran began, Donald Trump faced a difficult decision: to enter into a potentially flawed agreement to end the war or risk escalation that could lead to a protracted conflict.

On March 31, The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump is prepared to conclude the war against Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully opened. American intelligence believes that Tehran is unlikely to agree to unblock this strategic waterway in the near future.

On April 3, the U.S. suffered significant losses when two military aircraft were shot down by Iranian forces. One of the planes, an F-15E, was downed over Iranian territory, resulting in the rescue of one American pilot, while another remains missing. On the same day, an A-10 Warthog attack aircraft was also lost near the Strait of Hormuz; its pilot was rescued. These incidents represent one of the most serious episodes of escalation, raising the stakes in the confrontation between Washington and Tehran.

On the same day, The Wall Street Journal reported that efforts by Middle Eastern countries and other regional intermediaries, including Pakistan, to organize ceasefire negotiations between the U.S. and Iran have reached an impasse.

On April 1, representatives of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that the Strait of Hormuz would not be opened due to the 'absurd statements' made by President Donald Trump, emphasizing that this waterway is 'under firm control of the IRGC.' Thus, the situation in the region remains tense, and further actions by both sides could lead to even greater escalation of the conflict.