Iran threatens Gulf energy facilities after Israeli attack on its largest gasfield

Iran threatens Gulf energy facilities after Israeli attack on its largest gasfield

The Israeli assault on Iran’s primary gasfield has prompted the country to warn of potential strikes on key energy infrastructure across the Gulf. This marks the first direct targeting of Iran’s fossil fuel production since the conflict erupted. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have announced plans to retaliate against Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, designating several energy sites as targets within hours. The attacks on the South Pars gasfield, a shared reserve with Qatar, were reported in Israeli media as having been carried out with U.S. approval.

The strike on Iran’s gas infrastructure signals a major escalation in military operations by the U.S. and Israel. Until now, these nations had largely avoided damaging Iran’s oil and gas sector, helping to stabilize global oil prices. However, the recent attacks have reignited fears of supply disruptions, pushing oil prices toward $110 a barrel. Europe’s gas market also saw a sharp rise, with benchmarks reaching over €55.50 per megawatt hour.

“These centres have become direct and legitimate targets and will be targeted in the coming hours. Therefore, all citizens, residents, and employees are requested to immediately leave these areas and move to a safe distance without any delay,” the warning said.

A Qatari official, Majid al-Ansari, emphasized that attacking energy infrastructure poses a risk to global energy security. He highlighted the potential consequences for the region’s populations and ecosystems. Meanwhile, Iran’s governor of Asaluyeh, Eskandar Pasalar, criticized the U.S.-Israeli escalation as “political suicide.” He argued that the war’s focus has shifted toward an “economic war” affecting the entire Gulf region.

During the third week of hostilities, Iranian forces targeted the UAE’s Shah natural gasfield, one of the world’s largest. Additional strikes hit Iraq’s Majnoon oilfield and the UAE’s Fujairah port, a critical hub for oil storage. Daily exports from the Gulf have dropped by at least 60% compared to prewar levels, as drone and missile attacks strained pipelines and storage capacities. Despite this, Iran has maintained its oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, warning of possible fires to vessels carrying crude from neighboring states.