Iran Strikes Back at Gulf Refineries Following Israeli Attack on Offshore Gas Field

Escalation of Conflict in the Gulf

Iran has significantly increased its attacks on energy infrastructure in the Gulf Arab states, targeting Saudi Arabia’s refineries and setting Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities and two Kuwaiti oil refineries on fire. These actions come in response to an Israeli attack on Iran’s main natural gas field, marking a major escalation in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The situation has led to soaring global fuel prices, with Brent crude oil spiking to $114 per barrel, a more than 57% increase since the war began on February 28.

Impact on Global Markets

The surge in oil prices is driven by fears of an energy crisis, as the conflict threatens the stability of global supply chains. A ship was set ablaze off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, while another was damaged near Qatar. This highlights the growing danger to vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which a fifth of the world’s oil passes. In response, Saudi Arabia has begun pumping large volumes of oil westward to avoid the strait, but this route has also been compromised after an Iranian drone attack on the SAMREF refinery in Yanbu.

Damage to Key Facilities

Qatar, a major supplier of natural gas, reported that firefighters managed to put out a blaze at a significant LNG facility following an Iranian missile attack. However, production had already been halted due to earlier attacks, and the latest wave caused “sizeable fires and extensive further damage.” The damage could delay Qatar’s ability to supply its markets even after the conflict ends.

A drone attack on Kuwait’s Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery sparked a fire, though no injuries were reported. The refinery is one of the largest in the Middle East, with a daily petroleum production capacity of 730,000 barrels. Shortly after, a drone attack set ablaze the nearby Mina Abdullah refinery.

In Abu Dhabi, authorities were forced to shut down operations at the Habshan gas facility and Bab field following Iranian overnight attacks, which they called a “dangerous escalation.” Missile alert sirens sounded in multiple areas around the Gulf, and Israel warned of incoming Iranian fire.

International Reactions

Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates all condemned the Iranian attacks, with Saudi Arabia’s top diplomat stating that the assaults have shattered what little trust remained. Despite this, Iran showed no signs of backing down, as Saudi Arabia intercepted six drones in Riyadh and the Eastern province before reporting the SAMREF refinery was hit.

The Saudi Defence Ministry said damage assessments were underway without providing details. SAMREF is a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and ExxonMobil. The wave of Iranian attacks followed an Israeli strike on South Pars, the world’s largest gas field located offshore in the Persian Gulf and jointly owned by Iran and Qatar.

Consequences for Iran

With approximately 80% of power generated in Iran coming from natural gas, according to the International Energy Agency, the attack directly threatens the country’s electricity supplies. Natural gas is also used for household heating and cooking across the Islamic Republic. The Soufan Centre, a New York-based think tank, described the attack as a “clear expansion of the conflict.”

Israel’s focus on targeting institutions, leaders, and infrastructure has now shifted to making civilian living conditions intolerable. Iran condemned the strike on South Pars, with President Masoud Pezeshkian warning of “uncontrollable consequences” that “could engulf the entire world.”

U.S. Response

In Washington, former President Donald Trump stated that Israel would not attack South Pars again but warned that if Iran continued striking Qatar’s energy infrastructure, the U.S. would retaliate and “massively blow up the entirety” of the field. He expressed concerns about the long-term implications of such violence on Iran’s future.

Qatar Energy reported that a missile hit on its Ras Laffan LNG facility caused a blaze early on Thursday. A ship was also hit off the country’s coast, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre. It remains unclear whether the vessel was deliberately targeted or struck by debris as Qatar fired missile interceptors at incoming Iranian barrages.

Ongoing Threats

Saudi Arabia reported downing Iranian drones targeting its natural gas facilities overnight, while authorities in Abu Dhabi shut down the Habshan gas facility and Bab field after interceptions over the sites. Another ship was set ablaze off the UAE coast, with the UKMTO noting the vessel was near the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz.

More than 20 vessels have been attacked during the Iran war, as Tehran maintains a tight grip on shipping traffic through the strategic waterway. Iran claims the strait is open, but only to non-US allies, with only a trickle of vessels passing through.

Domestic Repression in Iran

Iran announced the execution of three men detained during January’s nationwide protests, the first such sentences known to have been carried out. The men were accused of stabbing two police officers to death in Qom during the protests. The country has faced intense domestic repression, with thousands killed and tens of thousands detained. Activists warn of potential mass executions of those detained.

Human Toll of the Conflict

Over 1,300 people have been killed in Iran during the war. Israeli strikes have displaced more than one million Lebanese, roughly 20% of the population, according to the Lebanese government, which reports 968 deaths. In Israel, 15 people have been killed by Iranian missile fire, including a Thai agricultural worker who died from shrapnel. Three people were also killed in the occupied West Bank by an Iranian missile strike, and at least 13 U.S. military members have been killed.

Rising Tensions and Uncertainty

As the conflict continues to escalate, the region faces increasing uncertainty. The attacks on energy infrastructure have disrupted global markets, and the threat to maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical concern. With no signs of de-escalation, the situation in the Gulf shows no indication of calming anytime soon.