US asks Israel to spare Iran's oil infrastructure: Report

2026-03-10 - 19:22

The Trump administration has conveyed urgent messages to Israeli leadership requesting restraint regarding strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, particularly oil facilities, according to a Tuesday report from Axios citing three informed sources. The communications were delivered at senior political levels and directly to Israeli army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, reflecting Washington's concern about the trajectory of military operations against Tehran's energy sector. An Israeli official confirmed that the messages emphasized Washington's preference for avoiding attacks that could destabilize global energy markets and harm ordinary Iranian citizens. The administration reportedly believes many Iranians oppose their government and hopes to preserve the possibility of cooperation with Iran's oil sector once hostilities conclude. US officials expressed particular worry that strikes on energy infrastructure could provoke massive Iranian retaliation against Gulf oil facilities, potentially triggering a broader regional conflagration with severe economic consequences. 'Doomsday option' and strategic calculations According to sources familiar with the discussions, President Trump views strikes on Iranian energy assets as a "doomsday option" to be employed only if Iran first targets oil infrastructure in Gulf states. This strategic framing positions energy attacks as an escalation red line rather than a standard military target, explaining Washington's reluctance to see Israel cross that threshold preemptively. The request followed reports that the US had expressed displeasure over the scale of Israeli strikes on Iranian fuel depots over the weekend, suggesting growing tension between the allies over operational tempo and targeting priorities. Economic stakes and regional stability The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20 million barrels of oil pass daily, remains central to US calculations regarding any escalation involving energy infrastructure. Disruption to Gulf oil facilities would send shockwaves through global markets, impacting economies worldwide including Türkiye, which relies heavily on imported energy. Washington's intervention with Israel reflects recognition that attacking Iran's oil sector could trigger a cascade of retaliatory strikes against Gulf producers, potentially choking off a significant portion of global supply and sending prices to unprecedented levels. The delicate diplomatic balancing act underscores the complex interplay between military objectives and economic stability as the conflict enters its third week.