On March 18, Israel struck South Pars — the Iranian section of the world’s largest gas field (the other part is operated by Qatar). Petrochemical facilities near the industrial city of Asaluyeh were also targeted, according to Iranian news agencies Tasnim and Mehr.
South Pars holds an estimated 14.2 trillion cubic meters of gas. According to Reuters, this volume is enough to meet global demand for roughly 13 years. The field accounts for about 70% of Iran’s total gas production. Most of the gas is consumed domestically, but part of it is exported, notably to Turkey and Iraq. Following the Israeli strikes, Tehran suspended these supplies.
Iraq is particularly dependent on Iranian gas, which covers around one-third of the country’s power plant needs. The Ministry of Energy warned of “serious risks” to the energy system, while stating that the situation remains “relatively stable.”
Across the region, the strikes triggered strong reactions. Iraq’s Foreign Ministry called them a “serious escalation” and a violation of international law. Authorities in the United Arab Emirates said the attack poses a threat to global energy supplies. Qatar described Israel’s actions as “dangerous and irresponsible.”
After the strikes, Iran announced it would target the energy infrastructure of US-allied countries in the region. Potential targets include facilities in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.
On the evening of March 18, Iran attacked the Ras Laffan industrial complex in Qatar — the world’s largest liquefied natural gas production hub. Significant damage was reported, including to the Pearl GTL facility. The following day, the strikes continued. QatarEnergy reported new missile attacks on LNG facilities and major fires. Operations at the complex were temporarily suspended.
Qatar accounts for about 20% of global LNG exports. Any disruption to its operations has a direct impact on global markets. Following the attack, Doha declared Iran’s military attaché persona non grata and demanded his departure. Saudi Arabia, in turn, stated that it reserves the right to respond militarily.
US President Donald Trump said Israel had acted independently and that Washington had not been informed in advance. He nevertheless described Iran’s strike on Qatar as “unjustified.” However, according to Axios journalist Barak Ravid, Trump may have been aware of the planned attack and coordinated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Under this version, the strike was a response to Iran’s attempts to restrict oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump also stated that Israel would not carry out further strikes on South Pars but warned of “total destruction” of the field if Iran attacks Qatar again.
Amid the escalation, energy prices surged sharply. Gas prices in Europe jumped by more than 25% on the morning of March 19 and are now more than double their pre-conflict levels. Oil prices also rose, with Brent nearing $119 per barrel, compared to around $73 before the war began.
