Waltz: "never take anything off the table" on U.S. hitting Iran plants

CBS News
March 22, 2026
3 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

The U.S. will not rule out military strikes against Iranian nuclear or energy facilities.

How This Affects You

Oil prices could spike if strikes disrupt Iranian energy infrastructure, raising gas prices and heating costs for American households.

AI Summary

Secretary of State Marco Waltz said the U.S. will not rule out military strikes against Iranian nuclear or energy facilities, keeping military options open in response to regional tensions. The statement comes after UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that attacks on energy infrastructure by either side could constitute war crimes under international law. Waltz's comments reflect the Trump administration's more aggressive posture toward Iran following recent escalations in the Middle East. The rhetoric signals Washington is preparing for potential further confrontation with Tehran, though it remains unclear whether such strikes would target nuclear weapons development sites or broader energy infrastructure.

What's Being Done

The Trump administration is keeping military options open and signaling preparation for potential confrontation with Iran.

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