Strike on an Important Energy Facility in Iran
According to international media reports, on March 18, Israeli forces, acting with U.S. support, attacked facilities at the South Pars field, leading to a partial halt in production and damage to infrastructure:gas installations and processing capacities were affected;
about 12% of gas production in the country was suspended;
Iran also halted gas exports to Iraq.
South Pars plays a key role in providing up to 80% of Iran's electricity, making it a strategically important asset for the country's economy.
Iran's Retaliatory Measures
Immediately after the strike, Tehran warned that energy facilities in the Persian Gulf would become "direct and legitimate targets."According to Reuters, Iranian authorities urged personnel at energy facilities in the region to evacuate ahead of possible attacks.
The next day, strikes were recorded near the under-construction nuclear power plant in Bushehr.
Strikes on the Region's Energy Infrastructure
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran stated its readiness to "destroy the oil and gas industry of the Persian Gulf countries" if another strike is made against its energy sector.
The Ras Laffan industrial area. Archive photo by Maneesh Bakshi / AP Photo / picture alliance.
Within a day after the attacks, Iran began a series of retaliatory actions against energy facilities in neighboring countries:
- the gas hub "Ras Laffan" in Qatar — the largest center for liquefied natural gas exports — was heavily damaged;
- strikes were also carried out on facilities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, including oil and gas installations;
- some attacks targeted military bases and facilities associated with the U.S.;
- the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanded that the Iranian military attaché and security personnel leave the country within a day.
Global Energy Risks
The escalation of the conflict has already impacted global markets:- after the attacks, there has been a sharp rise in oil and gas prices;
- supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, where about 20% of the world's oil passes, are under threat;
- the International Energy Agency had previously warned of a potential serious disruption in oil supply on the market.
Other Events in the Region
- In Iraq, there were power supply disruptions due to the halt of gas supplies from Iran.
- Four Saudi citizens were injured by debris from a ballistic missile intercepted over Riyadh, according to local authorities.
- As a result of an Iranian missile strike in central Israel, a foreign worker was killed.
- According to the British Maritime Trade Operations Center, a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an unknown projectile, leading to a fire on board.
- According to Reuters, the Trump administration is considering sending thousands of troops to the Persian Gulf region to provide additional options for the president.
