US Unhappy With Israel's Strikes on Iranian Fuel Infrastructure

Washington fears the attacks could backfire by rallying Iranian society around the government and driving up global oil prices.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The United States has expressed displeasure with Israel's recent strikes on 30 Iranian fuel storage facilities, fearing the attacks could strategically backfire by rallying Iranian society around the government and driving up global oil prices. Washington was surprised by the scale of the operation, with one senior U.S. official saying "We don't think it was a good idea." The U.S. is concerned the footage of burning fuel storage facilities could scare oil markets and provoke further increases in energy prices.

Why it matters

The disagreement between the U.S. and Israel represents the first serious rift in their alliance since the beginning of the ongoing military operation. The U.S. is worried the strikes could have unintended consequences that undermine their broader strategic objectives in the region.

The details

According to U.S. officials, the Israeli military notified the U.S. in advance of the planned attacks on the 30 fuel storage facilities. However, American sources claim Washington was surprised by the scale of the operation. The U.S. believes the affected facilities are used by the civilian population, and that the strikes could rally Iranian society around the government and drive up global oil prices, which the U.S. president is keen to avoid.

  • The attacks on the fuel storage facilities occurred on Saturday.

The players

United States

The U.S. government has expressed displeasure with Israel's strikes on Iranian fuel infrastructure, fearing the attacks could backfire strategically.

Israel

The Israeli military carried out strikes on 30 Iranian fuel storage facilities, which the U.S. claims could have unintended consequences.

Iran

The fuel storage facilities targeted by Israel's strikes are used to supply civilians, but the Israeli military claims they also support Iranian military structures.

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What they’re saying

“We don't think it was a good idea.”

— Senior U.S. Official (Axios)

“The president doesn't like this attack. He wants to save the oil. He doesn't want to burn it. And it reminds people of higher gasoline prices.”

— Trump's Adviser (Axios)

“What the hell?”

— American Official (Axios)

What’s next

It is expected that the differences between the U.S. and Israel, as well as the future strategy of the war, will be discussed at a high political level between the two allies.

The takeaway

The disagreement between the U.S. and Israel over the strikes on Iranian fuel infrastructure highlights the delicate balance the allies must maintain in their military operations, as actions that could have unintended consequences that undermine broader strategic objectives.