Iran Strikes Gulf Energy Hubs After Israeli Gas Field Attack
Iran launched massive missile and drone strikes against energy infrastructure in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE following an Israeli attack on Iran's South Pars gas field.
A three-week war between the United States, Israel, and Iran escalated into a global energy crisis in mid-March 2026. The conflict intensified after the Cabinet of Israel struck Iran's South Pars gas field and assassinated several high-ranking officials, including Intelligence Minister Esmaeil Khatib and security chief Ali Larijani. In retaliation, Iran launched Operation True Promise 4 and Operation Madman, a multi-front campaign of missile and drone strikes targeting critical energy infrastructure across the Gulf.
Iranian strikes caused extensive damage to Qatar's Ras Laffan Industrial City, the world's largest LNG export hub. QatarEnergy reported that the attacks destroyed two of 14 LNG trains and the Pearl GTL facility, wiping out 17% of Qatar's export capacity. The company declared force majeure on long-term contracts, with repairs expected to take three to five years. Other targets included the SAMREF refinery in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, and refineries in Kuwait, while the United Arab Emirates suspended operations at the Habshan gas facilities and Bab oilfield due to missile debris.
In response, Qatar expelled Iranian diplomatic staff, and Saudi Arabia warned that its patience is not unlimited, reserving the right to take military action. Donald Trump denied U.S. involvement in the initial South Pars strike but threatened to destroy the entire field if Iran continued attacking Qatar. The escalation effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, driving Brent crude prices toward $119 per barrel and causing global gas prices to surge. International leaders, including Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron, have urged a moratorium on strikes against civilian infrastructure to prevent total regional collapse.
