According to Axios, Israeli and US officials confirmed that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) had informed the US military in advance about the planned operation. However, American officials were taken aback by the extent of the attacks.
“We don’t think it was a good idea,” a senior US official said, as per Axios.An Israeli official described the reaction from Washington in blunt terms, saying the US message was simply: “WTF”.
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The strikes triggered large fires across Tehran, with flames visible from miles away and thick smoke covering parts of the capital, as per the report.
Israel says depots supported military supply
The IDF said the targeted fuel depots were used by the Iranian government to supply fuel to various users, including military units.
An Israeli military official also indicated that the strikes were partly intended as a warning to Iran following attacks on Israeli civilian infrastructure.
However, US officials are concerned the move could have unintended consequences. Washington fears that hitting infrastructure used by ordinary Iranians may strengthen public support for the Iranian leadership instead of weakening it, as per Axios.Concerns over global oil markets
Another concern for the US administration is the possible impact on global energy markets.
Although the facilities targeted were not oil production sites, officials worry that images of burning fuel depots could unsettle markets and push energy prices higher, as per the report.
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“The president doesn’t like the attack. He wants to save the oil. He doesn’t want to burn it. And it reminds people of higher gas prices,” a Trump adviser told Axios.
Iran warns of retaliation
Meanwhile, Iranian officials have warned that continued attacks on energy infrastructure could trigger retaliatory strikes across the region.
Iran’s military command indicated that Tehran has so far avoided targeting regional fuel and energy facilities but warned that oil prices could surge to $200 per barrel if such infrastructure becomes a target, as per News18.
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also cautioned that Tehran would retaliate “without delay” if the attacks persist, as per News18.
Axios reported that the disagreement over the scale of the Israeli operation and US expectations regarding the war will likely be addressed through high-level political discussions between the two allies.
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