Israel preparing for attacks on Iranian energy sites, awaits US green light

Israel is preparing to attack Iranian energy facilities but is awaiting a green light from the United States, Reuters cited a senior Israeli defense official as saying on Saturday.

The official added that any such attacks would likely come within the next week.

The comments came after US President Donald Trump said Iran had 48 hours left to make 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 UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

“Time is running out – 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them,” the president said Saturday, adding: “Glory be to GOD!”

Trump had initially threatened on March 21 to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants, beginning with the country’s biggest, “if Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS.”

Two days later, however, he said “very good and productive conversations” were being held with Iranian authorities, and that he had postponed any strikes on power plants for five days.

He later again pushed the deadline back, to expire at 8:00 pm Monday (0000 GMT Tuesday).