Trump Angered by Israel's Sweeping Strikes on Iranian Oil Depots

The U.S. was caught off guard by the scale of the attacks, which have already driven up global oil prices.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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President Donald Trump's war against Iran has hit a snag, as Israel's extensive strikes on 30 Iranian fuel depots on Sunday far exceeded what the U.S. had expected. The attack triggered the first rift between the U.S. and Israel in the war, with Trump angered that the footage of burning oil depots could remind Americans of soaring gas prices at home.

Why it matters

The escalating conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran is having significant economic and political ramifications, with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on oil infrastructure driving up global energy prices. This disagreement between allies could further complicate the U.S. strategy and public messaging around the war.

The details

According to reports, the U.S. military was informed ahead of the strikes, but the full scale of the Israeli operation still caught Washington off guard. U.S. officials have expressed concerns that the attacks on infrastructure affecting everyday Iranians could backfire by rallying the population behind the Islamic regime instead of weakening it. Israel has defended the strikes as necessary to deter Iran from attacking Israeli civilian infrastructure.

  • On February 28, the U.S. and Israel launched attacks against Iran, marking the start of the conflict.
  • On March 5, Israel carried out extensive strikes on 30 Iranian fuel depots in an operation that far exceeded U.S. expectations.

The players

Donald Trump

The 79-year-old President of the United States, who has sought to tout his efforts on affordability but was angered by the Israeli strikes, fearing that footage of burning oil depots would remind Americans of soaring gas prices at home.

Benjamin Netanyahu

The Prime Minister of Israel, who has led the charge alongside President Trump in the war against Iran.

Iranian Regime

The target of the U.S. and Israeli attacks, which has warned that it may retaliate by striking similar infrastructure in the Middle East if the attacks on its oil infrastructure continue.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— A Trump adviser (Axios)

“We don't think it was a good idea.”

— A senior U.S. official (Axios)

“WTF.”

— An Israeli official (Axios)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.