Israel Attacks Iranian South Pars Gas Field; Tehran Vows Retaliation

On March 18, 2026, Israel launched a coordinated attack on Iran's massive South Pars natural gas field in Bushehr Province.

“DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Israel killed Iran’s intelligence minister as it kept up its campaign against the Islamic Republic’s top leadership and reportedly attacked an Iranian offshore natural gas field Wednesday, as the war escalated pressure on the region’s economic lifeblood: energy”

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The strike marked the first direct attack on Iranian energy infrastructure during the ongoing U.S.-Israeli offensive against Iran.

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The Israeli Air Force targeted the offshore facility, which is one of the world's largest natural gas reserves jointly owned by Iran and Qatar.

Iranian state media reported that gas tanks and parts of a refinery had been hit, with workers evacuated to safety.

Emergency crews worked to extinguish fires that were later brought under control.

The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the strike, though an Israeli official confirmed the operation was carried out by the IAF.

This escalation represents a significant departure from previous Israeli-U.S. strategy that had avoided targeting Iran's energy facilities.

In immediate retaliation, Iran vowed to strike oil and gas facilities throughout the Persian Gulf.

Tehran specifically targeted energy installations in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.

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Iran characterized several prominent regional energy sites as 'direct and legitimate targets' and issued evacuation orders for civilians.

The Iranian military stated they would 'severely strike the origin of that aggression' and consider targeting infrastructure of attacking countries as legitimate.

Iran threatened Saudi Arabia's SAMREF refinery, al-Jubail petrochemical complex, and Masaid Holding Company.

Iran also targeted the al-Hosn gas field in the UAE and Mesaieed Petrochemical Complex and Ras Laffan Refinery in Qatar.

QatarEnergy confirmed that Ras Laffan Industrial City had been 'subject of missile attacks' causing 'extensive damage'.

The attack on South Pars triggered immediate market reactions with oil prices surging to over $108 per barrel.

“Tehran Vows to Strike Gulf Oil, Gas Facilities The threat is in retaliation for alleged Israeli strikes on Iran’s South Pars gas field”

Foreign Policy

Brent crude costs hit more than $109 per barrel as the global energy market responded quickly.

Experts warned that the strike risks exacerbating unprecedented disruption to global energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz.

Since the war started on February 28, Brent crude prices have risen close to 50%.

The Trump administration eased sanctions on Venezuela, allowing U.S. companies to do business with its state-owned oil company.

Analysts suggest the South Pars attack may have limited effect on global gas supplies as Iran uses most reserves domestically.

South Pars makes up as much as 75% of Iran's natural gas production, limiting global impact but causing significant regional disruption.

The attack on South Pars represents a dangerous escalation in the broader regional conflict since the U.S.-Israeli war began on February 28.

The strike comes amid intensified Israeli operations targeting Iranian leadership, including the assassination of Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib.

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This follows Israel's killing of Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani on Tuesday.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned of 'uncontrollable consequences' that 'could engulf the entire world'.

The conflict has expanded to include economic warfare with Iran attacking Gulf states' energy infrastructure.

Gulf Arab states have defended against Iranian attacks without taking offensive action.

Saudi Arabia plans to host foreign ministers in Riyadh while Qatar ordered Iranian Embassy officials to leave within 24 hours.