Iran blames Israel for South Pars gas field attack

Iran accused Israel of striking facilities in its massive South Pars gas field on Wednesday, marking a sharp escalation in the U.S.–Israeli conflict with Iran. The attack pushed global oil prices higher, and Iran responded by threatening oil and gas sites across the Gulf while launching missiles toward Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Qatar’s state energy company, QatarEnergy, reported severe damage after Iranian missiles hit Ras Laffan Industrial City, a major energy hub. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted four ballistic missiles aimed at Riyadh and foiled a drone strike on a gas facility in its eastern region.

South Pars, the Iranian portion of the world’s largest natural gas reserve shared with Qatar, has become a focal point of tensions. Qatar condemned Israel’s strike as reckless, while also criticizing Iran’s missile attacks as a serious violation of international law, expelling two senior Iranian diplomats.

The escalation is worsening disruptions to global energy supplies, raising political pressure on U.S. President Donald Trump, who joined Israel’s campaign against Iran nearly a month ago. Fuel prices in the U.S. have surged, with diesel exceeding $5 per gallon for the first time since 2022.

The conflict has spread across the region, disrupting shipping routes and threatening long-term damage to critical infrastructure. Brent crude rose about 5% to over $108 a barrel, while global stock markets declined.

In Washington, intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard told Congress that although Iran’s government has been weakened since the war began on February 28, it remains capable of launching attacks on U.S. forces and regional interests.

Israel has not officially claimed responsibility for the South Pars strike, though reports suggest the U.S. was aware of and supported the plan. Iranian media said parts of a refinery and gas storage facilities were hit, though fires were later brought under control.

Iran has since identified multiple energy facilities across the Gulf as potential targets, including sites in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, warning they should be evacuated.

Until now, both sides had largely avoided directly targeting energy infrastructure in the Gulf to prevent broader retaliation. International law generally prohibits attacks on civilian energy sites.

French President Emmanuel Macron called for a halt to strikes on civilian infrastructure, particularly energy and water facilities, after speaking with leaders in Qatar and the United States.

Iran has also effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for roughly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas, heightening fears of prolonged supply disruptions.

Meanwhile, Israel expanded its military operations, striking central Beirut and targeting senior Iranian officials. Iran’s intelligence minister, Esmail Khatib, was killed, along with other high-ranking figures. Israeli leaders said no Iranian official is beyond reach.

In response, Iran has launched cluster missile attacks on Israel. Casualties continue to rise, with deaths reported in Israel, the West Bank, Iraq, and Gulf states. The conflict has already claimed thousands of lives in Iran and hundreds in Lebanon, displacing large numbers of civilians and raising fears of a wider regional war.