US, Israel strike Iran's largest gas field, Asaluyeh facilities

The United States and Israel attacked Iran's key energy hubs, the South Pars gas field and its refining facilities, with missiles on the 18th (local time), causing fires and halting operations. Authorities in Bushehr Province stated that several sections of the South Pars gas field were hit by projectiles fired by the Zionists (Israel) and the US, and operations were suspended to prevent the spread of fires. Fars News Agency, which is closely linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reported that 'the enemy (US and Israel) attacked the Asaluyeh gas refining facilities,' and multiple loud explosions were heard across the complex. The Asaluyeh refining complex, located on the Persian Gulf coast, processes natural gas extracted from the South Pars field. Staff have been evacuated to safe locations, and firefighting efforts are underway, Fars News Agency added.

Israel's Defense Minister did not officially confirm the deaths of senior Iranian officials in the overnight airstrikes. Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) also made no related announcements.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps threatened Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar, warning them to evacuate their energy facilities and vowing to retaliate.

News of the strike on Iran's gas field sent energy prices soaring, with Brent crude prices climbing 5% and European gas prices rising 6%. Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs called attacks on energy infrastructure a threat to global energy security, Middle Eastern citizens, and the environment, urging all parties to exercise restraint.