Countdown to strikes? Israel awaits US nod to attack Iran energy targets - report

Israel is preparing potential strikes on Iran’s energy facilities and is awaiting approval from the United States, Reuters reported, citing a senior Israeli defence official. The attacks, if approved, could be carried out within the next week, the official added. The remarks came after US President Donald Trump warned Iran to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on its energy infrastructure. Trump, who has delivered mixed signals since the conflict began with a joint US-Israeli bombardment of Iran on February 28, said his latest deadline for ending the war was "rapidly approaching."In a post on his Truth Social platform, he wrote: “Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out — 48 hours before all Hell will reign (sic) down on them. Glory be to GOD!”Tehran responded with a stark warning, saying the “entire region will become a hell” if the attacks escalate, according to Iranian media reports.Trump has previously threatened to target Iranian power plants if his demands are not met. He issued an earlier 48-hour ultimatum before extending the deadline by another 10 days.Despite its defiant stance, Iran signaled limited openness to diplomacy. Foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was willing in principle to engage in peace talks with the United States through mediation by Pakistan, but gave no indication it would concede to Trump’s demands.“We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its efforts and have never refused to go to Islamabad. What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting end to the illegal war imposed on us,” he wrote on X. However, after a fourth reported strike near Iran’s Bushehr power plant on Saturday, Araghchi warned in a letter to the United Nations of an “intolerable situation” that poses a serious risk of a radiological incident.The Middle East conflict has killed thousands, triggered an energy crisis, and raised concerns about long-term damage to the global economy. Iran has effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route that typically carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas.Tehran has launched waves of drones and missiles at Israel and has also targeted Gulf countries aligned with the United States. Those nations, however, have so far refrained from direct involvement, fearing further escalation.