US and Israel Signal Possible New Strikes on Iran

The United States could strike Iran as early as this weekend, according to U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack, who said a military action is "absolutely" possible if diplomatic efforts fail. President Donald Trump distanced himself from the ambassador's remarks, saying he had no knowledge of such plans. Speculation about renewed hostilities has grown following reports of dozens of Israeli fighter jets flying through Syrian and Iraqi airspace toward Iran's border on Monday as part of a "power projection" exercise. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited Israel earlier this week to discuss new attack plans, and U.S. and Israeli militaries have reportedly developed plans for a three-to-five-day operation targeting Iran's energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and missile arsenal. The U.S. is also deploying additional naval forces to the Middle East, including the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group and the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, adding about 10,000 sailors and Marines by the end of November. Iran continues to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with vessel damage incidents rising sharply this month, while oil prices have jumped to over $114 per barrel amid ongoing regional tensions.