Iranian news agencies Tasnim and Fars reported on Saturday that critical infrastructure in Israel and the Gulf states has been threatened, linking the warning to U.S. media accounts of a planned, massive attack on Iran.
CBS News reported on Friday that the United States and Israel could carry out one of their most powerful strikes yet against Iranian energy infrastructure during the weekend. According to the network’s sources, President Donald Trump had not given the final order for the raids. The possibility of ending the operation before financial markets open on Monday was discussed because of concerns about the impact of bombing on the U.S. and global economy, but no final deadline was set.
The Fars agency singled out Saudi Arabia and Qatar as countries whose globally important energy installations are within reach of Iranian rockets, while also naming Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. The warning was accompanied by an assertion from the Tasnim agency that Iran has a comprehensive counterattack plan.
– The United States must be aware that globally important energy facilities in Saudi Arabia and Qatar are within the range of Iranian missiles – reported the Fars agency.
– There is a comprehensive plan of counterattacks – said the Tasnim agency, citing a senior Iranian security official.
According to Tasnim, Iran’s military has already demonstrated the capability and determination needed for such counterattacks.
Conflicting messages about Israeli involvement
American sources told CBS that Israel was informed of the plans and is coordinating its actions with Washington. If it happened, a joint operation would mean Israel returning to active combat against Iran. An unnamed Israeli official, however, offered a different account in response to the report.
– Israel has no knowledge of a decision to resume full-scale military operations, nor has it been asked to take part in any military operations against Iran – the Israeli official told the station.
Targets and the White House debate
Two sources indicated that possible targets could include energy infrastructure such as power plants and refineries. The operation plan was reportedly discussed during Friday’s presidential cabinet meeting at Camp David. Several White House advisers responsible for political affairs strongly opposed the plan, according to one of the sources.
During the meeting, Trump was quoted as saying that the U.S. would strike Iran very hard, predicting that Tehran would eventually signal that it could no longer withstand the pressure.
– We will hit them very hard. At some point they will say: „We just can’t take it anymore” – said Donald Trump during the meeting.
– We just want to win – added Trump.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Polsat News
