Tensions in the Middle East intensified as Iran warned of further attacks on energy facilities across the Gulf following strikes that hit key gas infrastructure, raising fresh concerns about global fuel supplies.
The warning came after Israel reportedly killed Iran’s intelligence chief Esmail Khatib, the latest in a series of strikes targeting senior Iranian officials since the conflict began nearly three weeks ago.
Tehran issued a strong response after a strike damaged part of its South Pars gas field, one of the world’s largest energy projects.
In a statement carried by Iranian media, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that any additional attacks on Iran’s energy sector would trigger broader retaliation against the energy infrastructure of Israel and its allies.
Israel’s military did not comment on the reported strike, while officials in Washington said the United States was aware of the development but had no involvement.
Regional tensions escalated further after Qatar’s state energy company said a missile strike caused a fire and “extensive damage” at its main gas facility.
Doha responded by expelling two Iranian diplomats.
Saudi Arabia also reported intercepting drones targeting energy installations in its eastern region, while debris from a ballistic missile fell near a refinery south of Riyadh.
Oil markets reacted sharply to the developments. Prices climbed again as disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz a critical route for global energy shipments continued to threaten supply.
Meanwhile, Iran condemned the killing of intelligence chief Khatib as a “cowardly assassination.”
President Masoud Pezeshkian and the country’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed retaliation, warning that those responsible would face consequences.
Despite heavy losses among its leadership, Iran has continued missile attacks in the region.
In Israel, emergency services said a missile strike killed one person described as a foreign worker, raising the country’s death toll from the conflict to 15.
The violence has also spread to neighboring Lebanon, where Israeli air strikes hit parts of Beirut as fighting with Hezbollah intensified.
Hundreds of people have been killed across the region and large numbers of civilians have fled affected areas.
France called for restraint, with President Emmanuel Macron urging all sides to avoid attacks on civilian infrastructure and safeguard global energy supplies amid fears that the conflict could escalate further.
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