The Israeli military attacked the South Pars natural gas field in the Persian Gulf, considered to be the largest of its kind in the world, on Wednesday.
The gas field includes oil facilities. Its southern section lies in Iranian territorial waters, while its northern part belongs to Qatar.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman called on all parties to exercise restraint and adhere to international law. “Targeting energy infrastructure constitutes a threat to global energy security,” Majed Al Ansari said in a statement, calling the Israeli strike “dangerous and irresponsible.” Ansari urged the parties to work to de-escalate tensions “in a manner that preserves the security and stability of the region.”
Last June, during the previous war with Iran, Iranian media reported that Israel had struck a refinery linked to the gas field using a drone. Iran’s oil minister confirmed that Israel had carried out the attack at the gas field, adding that the fire that broke out there was extinguished.
Gas production on the affected side was temporarily halted. According to reports, Israel targeted energy infrastructure at the gas field in the port city of Kangan, in Bushehr Province. The Tasnim News Agency reported that part of the Fajr Jam refinery caught fire.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the American military had conducted a large-scale strike on Iran’s Kharg Island, “totally obliterated” all military targets.
The New York Times reported that the attack was aimed at missile and mine storage sites, while the U.S. military said that more than 90 military targets were hit.
Trump threatened to target the region’s oil industry, writing, “I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island. However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision.”