Israel struck Iran’s giant South Pars gasfield on Wednesday, hours after Israeli forces killed the regime’s intelligence minister, Esmail Khatib, in a major escalation of the war. The attack on the world’s largest natural gasfield, which Iran shares with Qatar, prompted Tehran to warn neighbouring states that their energy infrastructure could be targeted “within hours”.
The South Pars field, located off the coast of southern Bushehr province, holds an estimated 1,800tn cubic feet of gas, accounting for about 70% of Iran’s domestic supply. Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson described the targeting as a “dangerous and irresponsible step”, and the Gulf state later ordered Iranian military and security attaches to leave within 24 hours after reporting extensive damage at its Ras Laffan gas hub.
Israel’s strike was coordinated with and approved by the Trump administration, according to reports. The attack marks a significant escalation, as oil prices climbed towards $110 a barrel on Wednesday amid growing threats to Gulf energy infrastructure and the continuing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran confirmed the death of Esmail Khatib, making him the third senior Iranian figure killed in 24 hours, following the assassinations of Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani. The US-Israel war on Iran is now in its third week, with at least 2,000 reported dead and no end in sight.
