POLITICS

Trump Orders New Wave of Strikes on Iran, Attacks Possible This Weekend

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US President Donald Trump has ordered the US military to launch a new wave of attacks against Iran, according to US officials cited by multiple media outlets on July 31. The strikes could begin as early as this weekend and are expected to last several days. The order was discussed during a Cabinet meeting at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland on Friday. Trump told reporters at the meeting that the US would be hitting Iran "very hard". He said that at some point, Iran would say, "We just can't take it anymore". US officials told The Wall Street Journal that the objective of the new strikes is to force Tehran to surrender. Multiple sources also told CBS News that the US and Israel are planning one of the most intense bombing campaigns of the war, targeting Iranian energy infrastructure, including power plants and refineries. The possible strikes come as the US and Israel consider expanding economic isolation against Iran. The Telegraph reported on Friday that the US and Israel are considering implementing a land blockade against Iran, as Trump believes the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz has reached its limit. The Pentagon has declined to comment on specific targets. Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said the Department of Defense is prepared to execute the president's orders. "In the event of a presidential decision, the Department of Defense is prepared," Parnell said. The announcement has already moved global markets. WTI crude oil futures surged more than 3% in electronic trading, while Brent crude rose over 4%. The conflict with Iran is entering its sixth month. The US and Israel launched joint military operations against Iran in late February. A temporary ceasefire brokered by Pakistan in April collapsed earlier this month after negotiations stalled. Iranian forces have resumed attacks. Iran's military said on Friday it launched drone strikes targeting US military facilities in Kuwait. The Iranian military also claime

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

· On February 28, 2026, US and Israel launched joint military strikes on Iran.
· On April 2026, Pakistan brokered a temporary ceasefire between US and Iran.
· On July 14, 2026, US reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
· On July 24, 2026, US paused strikes after 13 days of continuous bombing.
· On July 27, 2026, BBC reported 624 US service members wounded since February.
· On July 29, 2026, US completed large-scale airstrikes in response to Iranian attacks.
· On July 29, 2026, CENTCOM redirected 30 commercial vessels under naval blockade.
· On July 30, 2026, US resumed strikes on Iran after a five-day pause.
· On July 30, 2026, Iran launched missiles at a US base in Jordan.
· On July 31, 2026, Iran launched drone strikes on US facilities in Kuwait.
· On July 31, 2026, Trump ordered fresh attacks on Iran, officials told WSJ.
· On July 31, 2026, Trump told Cabinet at Camp David: "We'll be hitting them very hard."
· On July 31, 2026, US and Israel plan weekend bombing of Iranian energy infrastructure.
· On August 1, 2026, Pentagon said it is "locked and loaded" to execute presidential orders.
· On August 1, 2026, WTI crude rose above $86 per barrel in post-settlement trading.
· On August 1, 2026, Iranian military claimed drone attacks on US Kuwait base.
· On August 1, 2026, Iran claimed it closed the Strait of Hormuz; US denied.
· On August 1, 2026, US and Israel considered land blockade against Iran.
· Strikes could begin as early as August 1, 2026, and last several days.
· Targets likely include power plants and oil refineries across Iran.
· Israel may join the bombing campaign if Trump gives final approval.
· Markets face continued volatility as energy prices respond to escalation.
· Iran may retaliate with further drone and missile attacks on US assets.
· Domestic political pressure on Trump may intensify ahead of midterm elections.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact (10 words): Oil prices surge above $86 as weekend strikes threaten supply.

Long-term US impact (10 words): Prolonged war risks domestic political backlash and economic strain ahead.

Most affected groups (10 words): US military personnel, energy consumers, investors, Gulf state allies.

What readers should prioritise (10 words): Monitor official Pentagon statements and crude oil futures movements.