Overview
- Israel hit Iran’s South Pars gas complex and Iran retaliated with missile barrages on Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG hub, causing extensive damage and fires, alongside strikes on Saudi and Kuwaiti energy sites.
- Brent crude jumped to roughly $118–$119 a barrel and European natural gas prices surged as much as about 35% on escalating risks to Gulf production and transport.
- President Trump said the United States had no advance notice of the South Pars strike, vowed Israel would not repeat it, and warned he would “massively blow up” the field if Iran attacks Qatar again, despite reports challenging his denial.
- Qatar expelled Iranian military and security attachés, Gulf states condemned Tehran’s attacks, and Saudi Arabia warned it may take military action after intercepting missiles and drones targeting its facilities.
- U.S. officials considered sending additional forces to secure tanker traffic and explored energy-market interventions as maritime incidents multiplied around the Strait of Hormuz.