Tensions in the Middle East are escalating once again as Donald Trump issues new threats against Iran, while reports indicate that the US and Israel are considering strikes on energy facilities. At the same time, a new incident has been recorded in the Strait of Hormuz, heightening fears of further destabilization in a region of critical geopolitical importance. The Middle East is once again teetering on the edge of a dangerous new escalation. US President Donald Trump has warned that Washington is prepared to hit Iran “very hard,” while reports from American media outlets indicate that a new wave of large-scale bombardments targeting critical energy infrastructure in the Islamic Republic is under consideration — potentially as soon as this weekend.
Breaking: President Trump has ordered a fresh attack on Iran aimed at getting Tehran to surrender that could begin as soon as this weekend and would last a few days, U.S. officials said https://t.co/zGgbCQWWDN
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) July 31, 2026
Reports from CBS News, the Wall Street Journal, and Axios converge on the same conclusion: the US is seeking to dramatically increase pressure on Tehran in order to force it to accept Washington’s terms in ceasefire negotiations.
🇺🇸❌🇮🇷 The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials, reports that President Donald Trump has approved a large-scale military strike campaign against Iran, which could begin as early as this weekend.
According to WSJ, the operation will last several days, with the main goal of… pic.twitter.com/N3qPPfEyFf— NSTRIKE (@NSTRIKE1231) July 31, 2026
Trump: “They won’t be able to take much more”
During a cabinet meeting at the presidential retreat at Camp David, Donald Trump appeared determined to press ahead with the pressure campaign against Iran.
“We’re going to hit them very hard, and at some point they’re going to say ‘we can’t take any more,'” he said, adding that the longer the American strikes continue, the weaker the Iranian side becomes. Despite the public threats, US sources say the president has not yet given the final order to launch new operations.
🚨 JUST IN: President Trump, SecWar Hegseth and Israel are reportedly planning a MAJOR IRAN BOMBING CAMPAIGN that could include infrastructure targets in the coming days, with no final order given yet — CBS
The plans were brought up at CAMP DAVID, Trump is now in NJ for the… pic.twitter.com/HYvvwlPCum
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) July 31, 2026
Oil facilities, power grid, and refineries in the crosshairs
The plan being considered by the US and Israel is regarded as one of the most aggressive since the war began.
According to CBS News, potential targets include:
– major oil refineries,
– power generation stations,
– critical energy facilities,
– Tehran’s electrical grid, with one scenario even envisioning a widespread blackout across the Iranian capital.
The same reports indicate that there is consideration being given to completing the operations before international markets open on Monday, in order to limit the impact on energy markets. If approved, the operation would also mark Israel’s return to large-scale military operations following the collapse of the ceasefire in July.
Tensions escalate across the Middle East
The new crisis comes in the wake of recent Iranian attacks on a US base in Jordan, as well as strikes against American forces in the region. Meanwhile, the US carried out new airstrikes inside Iran, while US-Saudi raids in Iraq targeted pro-Iranian armed groups.
American officials, according to Axios, appear caught off guard by the intensity of Iran’s response, assessing that Tehran is prepared to push toward even greater escalation.
How Tehran is responding
The Iranian side has warned that any attack on energy infrastructure would constitute “an act of madness.” A senior security official, speaking to the Tasnim news agency, stated that Iran has already prepared a plan for massive retaliation, which includes strikes on critical Israeli infrastructure as well as American energy facilities across the wider region.
At the same time, CBS News reports that within the White House there is significant pushback from presidential advisers, who are warning of the risk of a full-scale war across the Middle East.
Tanker attacked in the Strait of Hormuz
The situation deteriorated further following a new incident in the Strait of Hormuz. According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a tanker was struck by an unknown projectile approximately 11 nautical miles northeast of Oman’s Lima anchorage, at the entrance to the strategically vital waterway.
JUST IN:
IRGC struck a tanker near the Omani side of the Strait of Hormuz despite a US navy escort.
The vessel is no longer under control. pic.twitter.com/SqjfVuU1Qp
— Current Report (@Currentreport1) August 1, 2026
The vessel suffered serious damage to its engine room and was left adrift, though no casualties or environmental pollution were reported. The new incident deepens concerns over navigational safety in the region, through which a significant share of the world’s oil exports passes, as the international community watches the escalating US-Iran confrontation with growing alarm.
