Iran's Fars News Agency reported on the 18th (local time) that Israel bombed the Asaluyeh energy facilities near the South Pars gas field on the Persian Gulf coast in southern Iran. U.S. outlet Axios, citing a senior Israeli official, reported that "the airstrike was carried out in coordination with the U.S. government."
Iranian state television reported that parts of the South Pars gas field were hit by U.S.-Israeli attacks, causing fires and halting operations. The Asaluyeh refining complex, which receives natural gas extracted from South Pars via pipeline for refining and processing, is one of Iran's key energy facilities. This is the first time Israel has attacked a natural gas facility inside Iran.
Iran, whose energy facilities were attacked, vowed retaliation. An Iranian military Spokesperson warned residents near oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar to evacuate immediately. Iran said that ▲ the Samer refinery and Jubail petrochemical complex in Saudi Arabia ▲ the Al Hosn gas field in the United Arab Emirates ▲ the Mesaieed petrochemical complex and Ras Laffan refinery in Qatar would be targets of attack within hours.
International oil prices are rising after Israel attacked Iran's energy facilities. Brent crude for May delivery is up more than 5% at $109, and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for May delivery is up 2.7% at $98.