Attack on Iran's Important Energy Resource
According to information from international news sources, on March 18, Israeli forces, coordinating actions with the U.S., attacked facilities at the South Pars field. This led to a partial cessation of production and damage to infrastructure, including:damage to gas installations and processing facilities;
loss of up to 12% of gas production;
suspension of gas exports to Iraq.
South Pars plays a key role in Iran's energy supply, providing up to 80% of its electricity and being a vital element of the country's economy.
Iran's Response to the Strike
Immediately after the attack, Iran issued a warning, declaring the energy infrastructure of its Persian Gulf neighbors as "direct and legitimate targets."According to Reuters, Iranian authorities also called for the evacuation of workers at energy facilities in the region in anticipation of further strikes.
The next day, reports emerged of missile strikes near the under-construction nuclear power plant in Bushehr.
Retaliatory Actions Against Facilities in the Persian Gulf
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran stated its readiness to "destroy the oil and gas industry of the Persian Gulf countries" in the event of further damage to its energy sector.The Ras Laffan industrial zone. Archive photo Maneesh Bakshi / AP Photo / picture alliance.
Within a day after the attacks, Iran began launching retaliatory strikes on energy facilities in neighboring countries:
- The Ras Laffan gas hub in Qatar, the world's largest LNG export center, sustained serious damage;
- Facilities in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, including oil and gas installations, were also targeted;
- Some attacks were directed at military bases and infrastructure associated with the U.S.;
- The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs ordered the immediate departure of the Iranian military attaché and his security colleague.
Impact on Global Energy
The escalation of the conflict has already affected global markets:- Oil and gas prices surged sharply following the strikes;
- Supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about 20% of the world's oil, are under threat;
- The International Energy Agency had previously warned of the possibility of significant disruptions to oil supplies.
Other Incidents in the Region
- Iraq faced energy supply issues due to the cessation of gas supplies from Iran.
- Four Saudi citizens were injured by debris from a ballistic missile intercepted over Riyadh.
- An Iranian missile strike in central Israel resulted in the death of a foreign worker.
- The British Maritime Trade Operations Center reported an unknown projectile hitting a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire on board.
- According to Reuters, the Trump administration is considering sending thousands of soldiers to the Persian Gulf region to expand its military options.
