The Israeli Defense Forces executed aerial strikes on the South Pars gas field in Iran on 18 March 2026 GMT+3:30. This sent immediate shockwaves throughout the international energy commodities market since the facility is the largest natural gas reservoir in the world
Nevertheless, in retaliation, Iran immediately launched a swarm of drones and ballistic missiles. These weapons targeted the Ras Laffan Industrial City located in Qatar. Officials reported that the damage significantly reduced the regional liquid natural gas export capacity.
Strikes from Iran were also reported on oil refineries in Haifa in Israel, and sites in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia reported intercepting several drones in its eastern region. Iran warned that it will show zero restraint if its energy infrastructure is targeted again.
Donald Trump addressed the escalating violence by issuing a stern ultimatum to the Iranian leadership. He declared that any further attacks on neighboring energy assets would result in the total destruction of the remaining Iranian gas infrastructure by American forces.
The U.S. President also claimed they did not have prior knowledge of the specific Israeli operation. Specifically, in a post shared on Truth Social after the attacks on South Pars, Trump assured that no more attacks would be made by Israel without Iranian instigation.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered a countering statement. He admitted that Israel acted alone but denied that it dragged the U.S. into the war. It is worth noting that other officials from the Israeli government suggested there had been coordination with the U.S.
Tulsi Gabbard, the U.S. Director of National Intelligence, explained that the U.S. and Israel have different strategic objectives in their war with Iran. The American forces are focused on degrading the strike capabilities, while Israel is targeting broader regime infrastructure.
Note that the statement from Gabbard was made during a House Intelligence Committee hearing on top security threats facing the country. It also followed the departure of counterterrorism aid Joe Kent, who publicly expressed opposition to the war in Iran.
Global oil markets reacted violently to the destruction of key supply lines and processing facilities in the Middle East. Brent crude prices surged toward 112 U.S. dollars per barrel. This represented a 4-year high and a 50 percent increase since late February 2026.
French President Emmanuel Macron and the European Council clamored for a moratorium on infrastructure strikes. They urged involved parties to avoid targeting civilian assets. But this call for restraint went unheeded as the military engagements continued.
FURTHER READINGS AND REFERENCES
- Adams, P. 20 March 2026. “Are US and Israel Aligned on Iran War? Deciphering Trump’s Post After Gas Field Attacks.” BBC. Available online
- Rettman, A. 19 March 2026. “Macron Seeks Ramadan Ceasefire, as EU Leaders Say No to Trump on Iran.” EUObserver. Available online
- Sakellariadis, J. 19 March 2026. “US Acknowledges Gaps on Iran War Objectives.” Politico. Available online