US President Donald Trump has threatened to 'massively blow up' Iran's South Pars gas field if Tehran continues to attack Qatari energy facilities. The warning came after Israeli strikes on the Iranian site prompted Iran to retaliate against Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure.
Israel's attack on South Pars on Wednesday marked a major escalation, disrupting global energy markets. Oil prices surged 6% to $114 a barrel, while European gas prices jumped 23%. Asian stock markets fell, with Japan's Nikkei 225 dropping 3.4%.
Trump claimed the US 'knew nothing' of the Israeli strike, but US media reported that Washington was aware and approved it to pressure Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran retaliated by striking Qatar's Ras Laffan LNG hub, causing 'extensive damage' and fires, which were later contained.
Trump said Israel would not attack South Pars again unless Iran struck Qatari facilities. He added: 'The United States of America, with or without the help or consent of Israel, will massively blow up the entirety of the South Pars Gas Field.'
The Strait of Hormuz remains nearly closed, and a vessel near the strait was hit by a projectile, according to UK Maritime Trade Operations. French President Emmanuel Macron called for a moratorium on strikes targeting civilian infrastructure.
