Attacks on the South Pars Natural Gas Field (2026)

Attacks on the South Pars Natural Gas Field are a series of military strikes targeting the South Pars natural gas field and its associated refineries and energy facilities located in the Asaluyeh energy zone along the coast of the Persian Gulf in southern Iran. These attacks occurred during the third week of the US-Israel-Iran conflict and constituted a significant development affecting regional energy infrastructure.

Characteristics and Importance of the South Pars Natural Gas Field

Geographical Location and Structure

The South Pars natural gas field is a vast reservoir located in the Persian Gulf and shared between Iran and Qatar. The Iranian portion is known as "South Pars" while the Qatari portion is called "North Field".

The field is directly connected to the Asaluyeh energy zone on Iran’s southern coast where refineries and processing facilities produce gas and oil. South Pars consists of offshore reserves extending across both countries’ land and maritime boundaries, forming an extensive energy area. This feature places the field in a strategic position not only for national but also for international energy systems.

Role in the Global Energy System

The South Pars field is recognized as one of the world’s largest natural gas fields. It holds approximately 1,800 trillion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas, a volume sufficient to meet global energy demands for an extended period.

The jointly operated field by Iran and Qatar contains reserves that constitute a significant portion of global natural gas trade. Production activities on the Qatari side are primarily directed toward global markets via liquefied natural gas (LNG). In this context, South Pars and the North Field together form a critical energy system supporting a major share of global LNG supply.

Role in Iran’s Energy Economy

The South Pars natural gas field is Iran’s largest domestic energy source. A large portion of Iran’s natural gas consumption is supplied by this field, with estimates ranging between 70 and 80 percent.

In addition, Iran exports a portion of its natural gas production to Iraq, Türkiye and Central Asian countries. In particular, Iraq receives approximately 50 million cubic meters of natural gas daily from Iran, which meets about one-third of its total energy needs.

Execution of the Attacks

Timing and General Course of Events

The attacks on the South Pars natural gas field occurred on 18 March 2026. According to a report issued by Mizan News Agency, affiliated with Iran’s judiciary, on that date, the following statement was published: "An hour ago, parts of the South Pars and Asaluyeh petroleum industry facilities were targeted by Zionist-American enemies."

The attacks were corroborated by multiple sources on the same day and reported as simultaneous, multi-pronged strikes against energy infrastructure in southern Iran. According to a report by the semi-official Mehr News Agency citing information from the Ministry of Petroleum, the South Pars natural gas field was struck by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the US-Israel attack. It was specified that the third and sixth phases of the gas field were targeted. Iskender Pasalar, the deputy governor of Asaluyeh, confirmed to the press that certain areas of the South Pars natural gas field had been hit by US-Israel forces.

Pasalar stated that operations in the targeted areas had been halted to control and prevent the spread of fires, adding: "The situation is under control; firefighters from South Pars and the Pars Special Economic Zone are managing the fire. A crisis management center has been established and necessary measures are being taken to provide assistance."

Targeted Facilities and Phases

As part of the attacks, tanks and gas facilities at certain sections of the Asaluyeh oil refinery were directly hit. It was also reported that specific sections of the natural gas refineries within the South Pars field were targeted.

The attacks specifically targeted the third and sixth phases of the South Pars natural gas field. In addition, different stages of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth refineries in the Asaluyeh region were reported to have been struck.

In a statement by the National Iranian Gas Company, it was confirmed that some refinery units sustained damage. The same statement indicated that operations in the damaged areas had been temporarily suspended and production was brought under security controls.

Perpetrators of the Attacks

The attacks on the South Pars natural gas field on 18 March 2026 were attributed to Israel. Israeli media reported that Israel had claimed responsibility for the strikes. Two senior Israeli officials speaking to Axios stated that this marked the first time natural gas facilities in Iran had been targeted following the initial attacks launched by the United States.

An Israeli official stated that the attacks were carried out in coordination with US approval and that Israel had struck natural gas refineries in its southwestern region.

Debates Regarding the Role of the United States

International media reports suggested that the United States had prior knowledge of the attack plan but did not directly participate in the strikes.

According to reports citing Associated Press, the US administration was informed of Israel’s plan to target the South Pars natural gas field. However, it was asserted that the United States did not directly participate in the execution of the attack.

On the other hand, US President Donald Trump claimed that the United States had no knowledge of the attack, that Qatar had no involvement whatsoever and was unaware the attack would occur. He further alleged that Iran did not understand the facts surrounding the attack and accused Israel of carrying out an "unjust" and "unfair" strike against part of Qatar’s LNG gas facilities.

Consequences of the Attacks

The attacks resulted in physical damage to refineries and facilities associated with the South Pars natural gas field. The National Iranian Gas Company confirmed that some refinery units had sustained damage.

Following the attacks, fires broke out in the targeted areas and emergency response operations were initiated to contain them. Operations in the struck areas were temporarily suspended to prevent fire spread. Authorities confirmed the establishment of a crisis management center.

Official statements following the attacks indicated that there were no casualties and that workers were in good health. In addition, workers were evacuated and relocated to safe zones.

Production activities at the damaged facilities were temporarily halted. On the evening of 18 March, authorities announced that gas production had resumed under necessary security measures.

The National Iranian Gas Company stated that there had been no disruption in gas supply and transportation across the country and that the network remained stable. It was also reported that the fire had been fully extinguished, cooling operations were ongoing, and conditions at the facilities were expected to return to normal in the near future.

Disruption of Gas Supply to Iraq

Following the attacks, a disruption occurred in the flow of natural gas from Iran to Iraq. Ahmed Musa, spokesperson for Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity, stated: "Due to developments in the region, the flow of Iranian gas was completely halted approximately one hour ago." As a result of this interruption, approximately 3,100 megawatts of electricity generation capacity in Iraq were taken offline.

The statement noted that coordination with the Ministry of Petroleum had been intensified to compensate for the lost gas supply and that efforts had been initiated to activate alternative fuels and domestic gas sources. Musa emphasized that "the loss of 3,100 megawatts will significantly impact the electricity system" and highlighted that preparations had been made ahead of the high-demand summer months.

It was noted that power plants operating primarily in southern Iraq are heavily dependent on Iranian gas. Iran provides Iraq with approximately 50 million cubic meters of natural gas daily, which meets about one-third of the country’s total demand and contributes roughly 6,000 megawatts to daily electricity production.

Impact on Global Energy Markets

The attacks heightened supply concerns in global energy markets and triggered significant price increases for oil and natural gas. Specifically, the strikes against the South Pars natural gas field and the Asaluyeh refineries directly triggered market price movements.

On 19 March 2026, the price of Brent crude oil rose to $113.85 per barrel on international futures markets. This represented an approximate 6 percent increase from the previous day’s closing price of $107.38, reflecting the impact of the attacks on energy markets. At the same time, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil traded at $96.49 per barrel.

The primary causes of the price surge included the Israeli-claimed attacks on the South Pars field and the fact that this was the first time natural gas facilities in Iran had been targeted.

Iran’s Retaliation Threats and Attacks on the Ras Laffan Industrial Zone

Following the attacks on the South Pars natural gas field, Iran issued threats of retaliation against energy infrastructure in the region. In a statement issued by Iran’s Armed Forces, it was announced that five oil facilities would be targeted.

The statement declared that the Samerf Refinery and Al Jubail Petrochemical Complex in Saudi Arabia, the Al Hosn Natural Gas Field in the United Arab Emirates, and the Masaiid Petrochemical Complex and Masaiid Holding Company’s first and second phases of the Ras Laffan Refinery in Qatar had become "direct and legitimate targets" and would be struck in the coming hours. Civilian and worker evacuation warnings were issued for these sites.

The statement urged: "All civilians, local residents and workers at these facilities must immediately leave these areas and proceed without delay to a safe distance."

"Leaders were repeatedly and clearly warned not to embark on this dangerous path and not to gamble with their nations’ destinies. Yet they chose to make decisions that do not represent their people’s will and are imposed upon them. Therefore, they bear full responsibility for all consequences arising from this course."

As part of Iran’s retaliatory actions following the attacks, it was reported that liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities in Qatar were targeted. Qatari authorities confirmed that fires broke out in the region and significant damage occurred.

International Reactions

United Arab Emirates’ Statements

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) assessed Israel’s targeting of energy facilities linked to the shared South Pars natural gas field between Iran and Qatar as "a dangerous escalation threatening global energy security and regional stability."

In a written statement from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was emphasized that attacks on energy infrastructure not only threatened global energy security but also directly endangered regional security, stability and the safety of civilian populations. The statement noted that such attacks could have serious environmental consequences and place civilians, maritime security and vital civil and industrial facilities at direct risk.

Qatar’s Statements

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized Israel’s targeting of facilities linked to the shared South Pars natural gas field as "a dangerous and irresponsible step."

In a written statement on social media, Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Majid al-Ensari pointed out that the targeted areas are an extension of Qatar’s North Field and stated: "Targeting facilities linked to the South Pars field in Iran is a dangerous and irresponsible step occurring against the backdrop of ongoing military escalation in the region."

Ensari emphasized that targeting energy infrastructure poses a serious threat to global energy security, regional populations and the environment. He reiterated that his country had repeatedly called for vital facilities not to be targeted.

Ensari urged all parties to exercise restraint, adhere to international law and work to de-escalate tensions in a manner that preserves regional security and stability.

Oman’s Statements

Oman "strongly condemned" the targeting of Iran’s South Pars field and warned of its implications for regional security and global energy supply. According to an official report by Oman’s state news agency ONA, the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that targeting the South Pars field, which is considered an extension of Qatar’s North Field, "constitutes a direct threat to regional security and energy supply."

The statement declared that the attack represented a dangerous escalation and a clear violation of international law and norms. It emphasized that adherence to international rules condemning the targeting of civilian facilities and infrastructure is imperative.

Statements by US President Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump made a post on his social media account regarding the shared South Pars natural gas field between Iran and Qatar. Trump claimed that Israel launched the attack on the South Pars field "out of anger over events in the Middle East" and asserted that only "a relatively small portion" of the facility was struck.

Trump claimed that the United States had no knowledge of the attack, that Qatar had no involvement whatsoever and was unaware the attack would occur. He further alleged that Iran did not understand the facts surrounding the attack and accused Israel of carrying out an "unjust" and "unfair" strike against part of Qatar’s LNG facilities.

Trump stated that no further attacks on the South Pars gas field would be carried out by Israel unless Iran decided to attack Qatar. He added: "If such a situation occurs, the United States will completely destroy the entire South Pars gas field with unprecedented force and violence that Iran has never seen or witnessed, whether or not Israel has our assistance or approval."

Trump stated: "I do not wish to allow this level of violence and destruction due to its long-term consequences for Iran’s future, but if Qatar’s LNG is attacked again, I will not hesitate to carry it out."