US-Israeli airstrikes have targeted Iranian facilities at a significant gas reserve, while Iran retaliated by attacking a major gas facility in Qatar, escalating tensions between the two sides.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed “significant surprises” following the killing of Iran’s intelligence minister, Esmail Khatib, in a strike. Israel had previously eliminated top Iranian security official Ali Larijani and Gen. Gholam Reza Soleimani.
In response, Iran launched missile strikes on Israel, resulting in casualties near Tel Aviv. Additionally, Iran targeted Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.
The United States was reportedly informed about Israel’s operation against Iran’s South Pars gas field but did not participate. The South Pars/North Dome mega-field is a crucial gas source, supplying the majority of Iran’s domestic natural gas and holding the title of the world’s largest gas reserve.
Iran condemned the attack on South Pars, with President Masoud Pezeshkian cautioning about potential far-reaching consequences that could impact the global landscape.
Subsequently, Iranian missiles struck a key natural gas facility in Qatar, causing a fire at the Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas plant. Stock prices in London fell, and oil prices surged to over $108 a barrel on international markets, with Brent crude reaching nearly 50% higher since the conflict began.
British Defence Minister Al Carns expressed concerns about escalating threats from Russia and the Middle East, emphasizing the need for vigilance. Amid the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran, British forces have faced challenges from Iranian drones and missiles.
European military officials have raised alarms over the Strait of Hormuz, with pressure mounting on countries like the UK to intervene. Tensions have arisen between US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer due to the UK’s reluctance to dispatch ships to assist in unblocking the strait.
US bombers are now deploying powerful ‘bunker buster’ bombs on Iran, capable of penetrating targets up to 100 feet underground.
