The White House has asked Israel to stop striking Iranian oil and gas infrastructure, warning that attacks could trigger global energy disruption and Gulf retaliation.
The administration of Donald Trump has reportedly urged Israel to temporarily halt strikes on Iran’s oil and gas infrastructure, marking the first significant effort by Washington to restrain Israeli military operations since the joint campaign began.
According to reports, the request was communicated to senior Israeli leaders and to Eyal Zamir, the Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces. U.S. officials fear that continued destruction of energy facilities could trigger wider retaliation across the Gulf region and destabilize global energy markets.
Fears of Global Energy Market Shock
Washington’s concern comes as the war threatens the stability of global oil supplies. Analysts warn that attacks on refineries and storage facilities could provoke Iranian retaliation against energy hubs in Gulf states, which are critical to global oil exports.
Energy markets have already shown signs of volatility since the conflict began, with traders reacting to the possibility of disruptions in one of the world’s most important oil-producing regions.
Some U.S. officials reportedly view strikes on Iranian energy assets as a “doomsday option,” arguing they should only be used if Iran directly targets Gulf oil infrastructure first.
Environmental and Humanitarian Concerns
Recent attacks on fuel depots in Tehran created massive fires and plumes of smoke across the city, raising concerns about environmental damage and public health risks. Witnesses reported thick black smoke and hazardous air conditions after several oil storage sites were hit.
The destruction of such infrastructure also risks worsening humanitarian conditions in densely populated areas, according to observers monitoring the conflict.
Strategic Calculations for Post-War Iran
Beyond immediate battlefield considerations, the Trump administration is reportedly considering long-term economic scenarios for Iran after the war, including potential reintegration of the country’s oil sector into international markets.
Officials fear that the systematic destruction of refineries and export facilities could permanently damage infrastructure that might later be needed for energy cooperation or reconstruction efforts.
Growing Strategic Differences
While Washington continues to support Israeli and U.S. strikes targeting Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities, the debate over energy infrastructure highlights emerging differences in strategic priorities within the coalition.
Israeli leaders have emphasized the need to neutralize Iran’s financial and military capabilities, including revenue sources linked to oil exports.
Global observers are now watching closely to see whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will comply with the U.S. request or continue targeting Iran’s energy sector as part of the broader military campaign.