Israel prepping attacks on Iranian energy sites — awaits US green light; strikes likely within a week

A senior Israeli defense official told Times of Israel on April 4 that Israel is actively preparing to strike Iranian energy facilities, but is awaiting a US green light before proceeding. The official said any such attacks would 'likely come within the next week.' The statement followed US President Donald Trump's 48-hour ultimatum demanding Iran open the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on its energy sites. This is the most explicit Israeli confirmation to date that strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure — oil fields, refineries, power plants — are operationally ready and diplomatically conditioned on Washington's approval. It positions the US green light as the critical trigger variable for the next major escalation of the conflict.