Israel’s extensive strikes on 30 Iranian fuel depots have reportedly ignited the first major discord between the U.S. and Israel since the conflict commenced on February 28.
Israel’s strikes were more widespread than the U.S. had predicted when it was informed beforehand. The U.S. is concerned that these attacks on infrastructure used by ordinary Iranians could strategically backfire, resulting in increased regime support within Iran and a spike in oil prices, reported Axios late Sunday.
While the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) had alerted the U.S. military before the strikes, the scope of the strikes caught the U.S. off guard. A high-ranking U.S. official voiced, “We don’t think it was a good idea.”
Although the targeted facilities were not oil production sites, U.S. officials worry that images of the burning depots could destabilize oil markets and further drive up energy prices. A Trump adviser disclosed to Axios, “The president doesn’t like the attack. He wants to save the oil. He doesn’t want to burn it. And it reminds people of higher gas prices.”
The disagreement and the U.S.’s expectations in the war are anticipated to be discussed at senior political levels between the two allies, a U.S. official told the publication.
White House did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comments.
Fear Of Acid Rain After Israel Oil Strikes
The Saturday strikes marked the first time Israel targeted Iran’s oil facilities, causing large fires at four oil storage facilities and an oil production transfer center in Tehran and Alborz, reported Al Jazeera, citing Fars news.
The strikes targeted four key oil facilities: the Aghdasieh oil warehouse in northeast Tehran, the Tehran refinery in the south, the Shahran oil depot in western Tehran, and another oil depot in Karaj.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the fuel depots it struck near Tehran were used by Iran’s military. According to the IDF, Iranian forces regularly relied on these fuel tanks to run military infrastructure and distribute fuel to various users, including military units, reported Iran International.
Thick smoke covered Tehran on Sunday morning after Israeli strikes hit oil facilities in the city. Residents reported a strong burning smell and dark skies despite sunrise and rain, with some saying oil-saturated raindrops fell from black clouds. Authorities urged people to stay indoors as the Iranian Red Crescent warned the explosions released toxic chemicals that could make rainfall highly acidic and dangerous to health.
Trump Downplays Oil Price Surge
Oil prices surged sharply, with Brent crude jumping 22.99% to $114 and WTI rising to $110.17, both nearing their 52-week highs.
Despite growing economic concerns, President Donald Trump downplayed the spike, calling higher fuel costs a necessary result of his administration’s actions against Tehran and a “small price” for world peace.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by a Benzinga editor.
Photo courtesy: Joey Sussman/Shutterstock
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