Iran has issued a stark warning that it will target critical energy infrastructure across the Gulf region, marking a dangerous new phase in the ongoing conflict after its massive Pars natural gas field was struck on Wednesday. The attack, widely attributed to Israel with reported U.S. consent, represents a significant escalation that has sent global oil prices soaring and raised fears of lasting damage to the world’s most vital energy-producing corridor.
The Pars field, part of the world’s largest natural gas deposit shared with Qatar, sustained hits to gas tanks and refinery sections, according to Iran’s Fars news agency. While emergency crews reportedly brought the resulting fire under control, the strategic strike prompted Tehran to declare an array of prominent oil and gas facilities in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar as “direct and legitimate targets.” Iran demanded the immediate evacuation of sites including Saudi Arabia’s Samref Refinery, the UAE’s Al Hosn Gas Field, and Qatar’s Ras Laffan Refinery, threatening strikes within hours.
This development shatters a previous restraint observed during nearly three weeks of hostilities, where the U.S. and Israel had avoided targeting Iran’s Gulf energy production to prevent retaliatory attacks on neighboring countries’ oil and gas industries. The conflict has already severely disrupted global energy markets, with Iran having closed the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas. Benchmark Brent crude prices surged around 5% to above $108 following the Pars attack, as markets reacted to the heightened threat of infrastructure damage.
Qatar, a close U.S. ally hosting the region’s largest American airbase, condemned the attack on the shared gas field as a “dangerous and irresponsible escalation” that jeopardizes global energy security. The UAE also denounced the strike. Neither Israel nor the U.S. has claimed immediate responsibility, though Israeli media widely reported the operation was conducted with American consent. The Israeli military declined to comment.
The gas field attack coincided with intensified Israeli military actions on multiple fronts. Israeli airstrikes hit central Beirut in some of the most intense bombardments of the Lebanese capital in decades. Furthermore, Israel confirmed the targeted killings of senior Iranian officials, including powerful security chief Ali Larijani and Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that “no one in Iran has immunity and everyone is in the crosshairs,” authorizing the military to target any senior Iranian official without seeking additional political approval—a significant public shift in policy.
In response, Iran launched missile barrages at Israel, targeting Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Beersheba, as well as U.S. bases across several Gulf states. Iranian officials vowed that those responsible for Larijani’s death would “pay for his blood.” The situation underscores the rapidly expanding scope of a conflict that now directly threatens the physical infrastructure underpinning global energy supplies, with potential ramifications for economies worldwide. For ongoing coverage of regional tensions, readers can follow updates from Reuters and Al Jazeera.
Source: ARY News