DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Web Desk) – Iran stepped up its attacks on energy infrastructure across the Gulf on Thursday, targeting facilities in Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates in response to an Israeli strike on its key South Pars gas field. The escalation has pushed global fuel prices higher and raised concerns over regional stability.
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The strikes affected Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) operations, a Kuwaiti oil refinery, and oil and gas facilities in Abu Dhabi. Tehran’s actions come amid a broader conflict that has disrupted energy supplies and placed shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz under pressure.
Brent crude oil surged to $118 per barrel, marking an increase of more than 60% since the start of the conflict on February 28. European natural gas prices rose 17% on Thursday, doubling over the past month.
Saudi Arabia reported that its SAMREF refinery in Yanbu on the Red Sea had been struck, while Qatar said missile attacks caused extensive damage to its Ras Laffan LNG facility. Authorities in Kuwait and Abu Dhabi confirmed damage to refineries and gas operations, potentially affecting energy exports even after the conflict ends.
In Israel, Iranian missile waves prompted millions to seek shelter. Buildings were damaged, though no significant casualties were reported. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen said that some electricity grids in northern Israel sustained damage, but crews were restoring service. Media images showed black smoke rising from a refinery in Haifa.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the U.S. military “controls the fate” of Iran and emphasized that Iran should avoid targeting Arab allies. Senior U.S. military officials, including Gen. Dan Caine, reported ongoing operations in Iranian territory, including strikes on drones, naval targets, and underground facilities. Israel also carried out strikes on Iranian targets in the Caspian Sea for the first time.
The escalation follows an Israeli attack on South Pars, the Iranian share of the world’s largest gas field, co-owned with Qatar. The field supplies approximately 80% of Iran’s power generation, making it critical for domestic electricity and heating. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that further attacks could have “uncontrollable consequences” globally.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Israel would not strike South Pars again but warned that continued Iranian attacks on Qatar’s energy infrastructure could prompt U.S. retaliation against the field.
The conflict has already caused significant casualties. More than 1,300 people have died in Iran. Israeli strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon have displaced over 1 million people and killed more than 1,000, while Iran-launched missile attacks in Israel have killed at least 15 civilians. The U.S. has reported at least 13 military fatalities.
Separately, Iran’s judiciary executed three men detained during nationwide protests in January, marking the first known implementation of such sentences, according to the Mizan news agency.
