US dismayed by scale of Israeli strikes on Iranian fuel depots, Axios reports

The United States is dismayed by the scale of Israeli airstrikes on Iranian fuel depots over the weekend, marking the first notable disagreement between the two allies since the war began, Axios reported Monday citing sources familiar with the matter. The strikes targeted around 30 fuel depots across Iran on Saturday, exceeding what US officials anticipated after Israel notified Washington ahead of the operation.

Fire and smoke over Tehran

Large fires were reported in the Iranian capital following the attacks, with thick smoke rising above fuel storage tanks and industrial areas. The Israeli military stated that the targeted fuel depots were used by the Iranian government to supply fuel to various customers, including its military units. While Israel informed the American military ahead of the operation, Washington was surprised by the breadth of the attacks.

White House concerns

"The president doesn't like the attack on the oil facilities. He wants to save the oil, not burn it. And it reminds people of higher gas prices," said an adviser to President Donald Trump. US officials are concerned that attacks on infrastructure serving ordinary Iranians could backfire strategically by strengthening public support for the Iranian leadership and driving up global oil prices. "We don't think it was a good idea," said a senior US official. Although the targeted facilities were not oil production sites, officials in Washington fear footage showing burning fuel depots could unsettle energy markets.

Iranian retaliation threats

Iranian officials warned that continued attacks on energy infrastructure could trigger retaliation. A spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters, which oversees military operations, said Tehran could respond with similar strikes across the region if such attacks continue, warning that global oil prices could surge to $200 per barrel if regional energy infrastructure is targeted. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also warned that Tehran would retaliate "without delay" if strikes on infrastructure continue.

Conflict context

Regional escalation has flared up since Israel and the US launched a joint attack on Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,200 people according to Iranian authorities, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, Iraq, Jordan and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, with the conflict now entering its second week and showing no signs of abating.