US prepares possible weekend strikes on Iran amid regional tensions

U.S. officials familiar with the plan said the United States could launch fresh strikes on Iran as soon as the weekend, with options that include a two-week bombardment of missile sites and possible targeting of energy infrastructure. The exact scope and timing remain uncertain, and officials cautioned the attacks could be called off.

Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman visited Washington on Wednesday and conveyed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's request for de-escalation of the conflict, according to sources. In contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with President Trump earlier in the week and expressed skepticism about diplomacy, discussing options to increase pressure on Iran.

Kuwait’s armed forces intercepted drone threats over its territory on Saturday, describing the attacks as “Iranian aggression.” The drones struck a government facility and civilian vehicles, causing material damage but no casualties. A merchant vessel escorted by an Italian frigate safely transited the Red Sea, and a tanker off Oman’s coast was hit by an unknown projectile, injuring its engine room but resulting in no injuries.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council secretary, Mohammad Bagher Zolqadr, warned of a tighter closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to a U.S. blockade, further constraining already reduced shipping traffic through the strategic waterway.

At a Cabinet meeting, President Trump warned that the United States would not “stand by and allow this terrorist behavior to occur,” while also expressing frustration with diplomatic efforts that have stalled. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel wants to strike Iranian energy targets, but the United States has not approved such action.

The White House declined to confirm whether Trump had ordered the weekend strikes, and senior U.S. officials said direct diplomacy with Iran is not imminent.