IRAN ESCALATES ATTACKS ON GULF ENERGY SITES AFTER ISRAELI STRIKE ON KEY GAS FIELD. (PHOTO).

 Iran escalates attacks on Gulf energy sites after Israeli strike on key gas field

   Iran escalated its campaign against oil and gas infrastructure across the Gulf on Thursday, significantly intensifying a conflict that is already rattling global energy markets and raising fears of a broader regional war. The strikes were carried out in retaliation for an Israeli attack on a major Iranian gas field, and they quickly drove fuel prices higher while increasing the risk of drawing neighboring Arab countries deeper into the fighting. The situation has also heightened concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.

The attacks targeted key energy sites across multiple countries. Fires were reported at major facilities in Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, while Saudi Arabia said it intercepted several drones before confirming that a refinery in the Red Sea port city of Yanbu had been hit. Iran also targeted alternative export routes, striking infrastructure meant to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. Damage assessments were ongoing at several sites, including one of the world’s largest liquefied natural gas export hubs in Qatar, where production had already been halted following earlier strikes.

The escalation extended beyond energy facilities, with incidents involving ships in the region, including one vessel set ablaze near the UAE and another damaged off Qatar. Oil prices surged sharply in response, with global benchmarks climbing dramatically since the conflict began in late February. World leaders expressed alarm over the growing instability, with calls for de-escalation and renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent further disruption to global energy supplies.

Iran’s actions followed Israel’s strike on the South Pars gas field, a vital source of energy for Iran that supplies a large portion of the country’s electricity and domestic needs. Iranian officials condemned the attack and warned of far-reaching consequences, while the conflict has continued to expand in scope. Casualties have mounted on multiple fronts, with hundreds killed and widespread displacement reported across the region as the war enters its third week with no clear resolution in sight.