Iran is threatening to execute retaliatory strikes on oil and gas facilities near the Persian Gulf after Israel launched a strike on its South Pars gas field on Wednesday. File Photo by Maryam Rahmanian/UPI | License Photo
Iran is threatening to execute retaliatory strikes on oil and gas facilities near the Persian Gulf after Israel launched an attack on its South Pars gas field on Wednesday.
No one was harmed in the strike by Israel on one of the world’s largest natural gas fields. Qatar also operates facilities in the South Pars gas field. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Majed Al Ansai, was critical of Israel over the attack, calling it “reckless and irresponsible.”
Several potential targets are bracing for retaliation by Iran. Saudi Arabia, which is across the Persian Gulf from Iran, has at least four major gas fields and refineries near the gulf coast.
Iran issued evacuation orders for civilians near three energy facilities in Saudi Arabia: the SAMREF refinery, al-Jubail petrochemical complex and Masaiid Holding Company. It also called for evacuations for the areas near the al-Hosn gas field in the United Arab Emirates and the Ras Laffan refinery in Qatar.
“As previously warned, if the fuel, energy, gas, and economic infrastructures of our country are attacked by the American-Zionist enemy, in addition to a powerful counterattack against the enemy, we will severely strike the origin of that aggression as well,” the Iranian military said in a statement. “We consider targeting the fuel, energy, and gas infrastructure of the countries of origin legitimate and will retaliate strongly at the earliest opportunity.”
The oil market responded quickly to the South Pars attack with oil prices jumping to more than $108 per barrel.
As the fighting continued to escalate, Saudi Arabia plans to host foreign ministers in Riyadh to discuss the war and potential resolutions. However, Israel and the United States have continued attacks.
Earlier Wednesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed that Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib was killed in an Israeli airstrike. Former Minister of Defense Aziz Nasirzadeh was also killed in the attack.
Iran: Funerals held for those killed in airstrikes
Iranians attend a funeral for a person killed in recent U.S.-Israel airstrikes at Behesht-e Zahra cemetery on the southern outskirts of Tehran in Iran on March 9, 2026. Photo by Hossein Esmaeili/UPI | License Photo
