The US was surprised by the extent of the Israeli strikes against Iranian oil depots on Saturday, even after being notified in advance about the targets, Axios reported, citing American and Israeli sources.
Axios reported that this marks the first important disagreement between Israel and the US since each began their operations in Iran, Operation Roaring Lion and Operation Epic Fury, with the Americans showing concern about how the strikes could backfire strategically.
An American source later confirmed to The Jerusalem Post that Israel had notified the US in advance about the strikes on the oil depots and that the Americans were surprised by the extent of the operation.
Israel argued that the targeted oil depots are directly connected to Iran's military industrial complex, with reports of large fires breaking out and smoke engulfing most of Tehran after the strikes.
"We don't think it was a good idea," a senior US official said, according to Axios, while the White House didn't officially comment on the matter.
US warns about striking civilian infrastructure
The US also warned Israel about striking infrastructure critical for Iranian citizens, saying that those strikes could backfire if they end up generating support for the regime.
US Senator Lindsey Graham praised Israel's capabilities and work towards "collapsing the murderous regime in Iran," but warned about targeting civilians in the process.
"There will be a day soon that the Iranian people will be in charge of their own fate, not the murderous ayatollah’s regime," Graham wrote on X/Twitter.
"In that regard, please be cautious about what targets you select. Our goal is to liberate the Iranian people in a fashion that does not cripple their chance to start a new and better life when this regime collapses. The oil economy of Iran will be essential to that endeavor," he added.
In a statement, the IDF confirmed the strike and said, "The military forces of the Iranian terrorist regime make direct and frequent use of these fuel tanks to operate military infrastructure. Through them, the Iranian terrorist regime distributes fuel to various consumers, including military entities in Iran."
Amichai Stein and Yonah Jeremy Bob contributed to this report.