Trump threatens fresh strikes on Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump warned that the United States would carry out heavy strikes against Iran as Washington weighs a new military push that could begin as soon as this weekend.

Possible targets include energy infrastructure

Trump delivered the threat during a Cabinet meeting at Camp David, saying: "We'll strike them very hard and at some point they'll say: We can't take this anymore." His remarks came as U.S. authorities are reported to be preparing a fresh wave of attacks that could focus on Iran's energy infrastructure, including oil refineries and power plants.

Officials say a final decision has not been made and that the timing, scope and list of targets remain uncertain — and that the operation could still be called off. Some advisers inside the White House expressed reservations about the plan during the meeting.

Reports indicate that joint U.S.-Israel action is being discussed; should such strikes be carried out, they would mark the first direct Israeli participation in bombing during the early phase of the wider conflict.

Washington says the U.S. military resumed strikes on Iranian targets after an attempted rocket attack on American forces in the Middle East. Two days earlier the U.S. armed forces conducted a series of strikes inside Iran in response to that attempted attack.

Pakistan, which is acting as a mediator in the crisis, says talks between the parties continue even as frustration mounts over the prolonged hostilities.

Photo: EPA/AARON SCHWARTZ / POOL