First disagreement between US and Israel over Iran war hits American media headlines

The first signs of tension between the United States and Israel during the ongoing war with Iran have emerged, according to reports in US media.

US officials were reportedly alarmed after Israel carried out extensive airstrikes on dozens of Iranian fuel depots over the weekend, a move that exceeded what Washington expected when it was informed beforehand, according to several sources familiar with the situation.

The Israeli air force struck roughly 30 fuel storage sites on Saturday, causing massive fires in Tehran. Thick smoke covered parts of the Iranian capital, and flames from the burning facilities could reportedly be seen from miles away.

American officials said Israel had notified the United States before launching the operation. However, they were surprised by the scale of the attacks. One senior US official said the administration believed the strikes were not a wise decision, expressing concern about the broader consequences.

Washington fears that hitting infrastructure used by ordinary Iranians could have unintended effects. US officials worry the strikes may strengthen public support inside Iran for the government while also creating instability in global oil markets by raising concerns about energy supplies.

Israel defended the operation, stating that the targeted depots were used by the Iranian government to supply fuel to various sectors, including its military forces. An Israeli military official added that the strikes were also intended as a warning to Iran against attacks on Israeli civilian infrastructure.

Although the destroyed sites were storage facilities rather than oil production plants, US officials believe images of burning fuel depots could unsettle global markets and potentially drive oil prices higher.

Iranian leaders responded with sharp warnings. A spokesperson for the military command overseeing operations said Tehran could begin targeting energy infrastructure across the region if attacks on Iran’s oil facilities continue. He noted that Iran has so far avoided striking regional energy assets but warned that such actions could push oil prices as high as $200 per barrel.

Iran’s parliamentary speaker also cautioned that further attacks on national infrastructure would trigger immediate retaliation.