The strikes conducted by Israel on the oil storage facilities and refineries in Iran throughout the weekend generated a great degree of apprehension among the US camp, with the latter responding with a blunt “WTF” message, as per reports.

According to Axios, a media agency, this rare moment of friction between the allies emerged with the loud bombing of the oil refineries and facilities near Tehran, causing a near ‘apocalyptic’ situation with thick black smoke across the capital city and the burning of fuel-storage tanks in the region.

Reports of the death of four individuals and the alarming situation of hazardous acidic rain sent shock waves not only around the world but also amongst the US counterparts.

Also Read | What is ‘black’ acid rain? Science behind Iran’s critical atmosphere amid escalating West Asian conflict.

Such an act caught US officials off guard, with officials telling the media that it was not a good idea to launch such wide-ranging strikes in Tehran and that it was beyond their expectations.

Also Read | Succession in Iran: War, power and the search for Iran’s next Supreme Leader

In this situation, one Israeli official reported that the message from Washington was ‘WTF’. However, neither the Israeli Defence Force nor the White House has made any public comments on this issue till now.

Given the vulnerable situation in West Asia, the US's concerns are likely to centre on the humanitarian costs and the economic linkages they entail. The supply of oil had already been constrained after the attack on Iran and its blockade of the Hormuz Strait. At this stage, the latest strike had further affected oil prices, with the per-barrel red line crossing US$100 for the first time in four years. This situation presents a challenge of a different nature. The prices of essential goods are rising, avenues of conflict are being harnessed unchecked, and the prospects for a peaceful resolution appear bleak.