Israel prepares attacks on Iranian energy sites, awaits green light from Washington

(Patria) - Israel is preparing to attack Iranian energy facilities but is awaiting a green light from the United States, a senior Israeli defense official said on Saturday, reports Reuters citing Al Arabiya.

The official added that such attacks would likely occur in the coming weeks.
The comments followed after US President Donald Trump said Iran has 48 hours left to reach a deal on opening the vital Strait of Hormuz or face "hell".

"Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

"Time is running out - 48 hours before all hell will break loose upon them," Trump wrote on Saturday, adding: "Glory to GOD!"

Trump initially threatened on March 21 to "wipe out" Iranian power plants, starting with the country's largest, "if Iran does not fully open, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS."

Two days later, however, he said that "very good and productive talks" were being held with Iranian authorities and that he had postponed all strikes on power plants for five days.

He later moved the deadline again, to expire on Monday at 20:00 (00:00 GMT Tuesday).