EU urges members to start storing winter gas as Iran war causes price surge

On day 21 of the US-Israel attacks against Iran, tensions are escalating, with Iran warning of "zero restraint" if its energy facilities are targeted again after Israel struck the South Pars gasfield. Iran retaliated with attacks on Haifa, Israel, and Ras Laffan, Qatar, also launching missile and drone strikes on US bases and Israeli cities. The conflict has resulted in a significant humanitarian toll in Iran, with thousands injured and over 1,400 deaths reported. Disruptions to energy supplies have caused global oil and gas prices to surge. France is seeking UN Security Council action to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil and gas chokepoint. The role of the US Ramstein Air Base in Germany is also under scrutiny by Iran.

Amid escalating tensions, a fire broke out at Kuwait's Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery on Friday following a drone attack, a day after Qatar's Ras Laffan facility was hit. These incidents occurred after Iran vowed retaliation for an Israeli strike on its South Pars gas field on Wednesday. Despite calls from European leaders to cease targeting Gulf energy infrastructure, Iran has continued its strikes and asserted its missile production remains unaffected. The escalating damage to Gulf infrastructure has caused a spike in oil and gas prices, raising concerns about potential long-term disruptions to global supplies. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims Iran's missile manufacturing capabilities are diminished, Iran maintains otherwise.

Following an Israeli attack on Iran's South Pars gasfield, Iran has warned it will show "zero restraint" if its energy infrastructure is targeted again. This statement comes after Iran retaliated with a strike on Qatar, which reportedly impacted almost 20% of Qatar's liquefied natural gas export capacity. According to an Iranian official, the retaliatory strike employed only a fraction of Iran's power, and restraint was shown only due to requests for de-escalation. The official stated that any future attacks on Iranian infrastructure will be met without restraint. The news also highlights a forecast predicting record-breaking temperatures in numerous cities by the end of the week.

As the US-Israeli war on Iran escalates in March 2026, Gulf countries are increasingly targeted by Iranian strikes, including drone attacks on Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. While Gulf states maintain their defenses are sufficient, they also have military partnerships that could provide assistance. Qatar hosts the largest US military base in the region, Al Udeid, serving as the forward headquarters for US Central Command. Qatar is also the second-largest Foreign Military Sales partner to the US, having recently purchased missile systems, early warning systems, and attack helicopters. In September 2025, Israel struck a residential area in Qatar's capital, Doha, targeting Hamas leaders. The US has reaffirmed its support for Qatar, stating that an attack on its territory would be viewed as an attack on the US.

In a press conference on March 20, 2026, Benjamin Netanyahu addressed both Israeli citizens and international media regarding the ongoing war with Iran. Netanyahu stated that substantial advancements had been achieved in the first 20 days of the conflict. While acknowledging these gains, he also suggested that further military action is anticipated. Al Jazeera's Rob McBride analyzed Netanyahu's statements, highlighting the Prime Minister's assertion that a "ground component" is necessary for the war effort. The purpose of the address was to update the public and international community on the progress and future direction of the war.

In March 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secured US support for strikes against Iran, a long-sought goal. The attacks have resulted in significant casualties in Iran and Lebanon, with regional spillover effects. The conflict has triggered economic consequences, including rising oil prices, and political divisions within the US and between the US and its allies. Despite these global repercussions, the article suggests the war could benefit Netanyahu by addressing his long-standing concerns about the Iranian threat. Netanyahu has consistently portrayed Iran as an existential threat to Israel, and this conflict allows him to confront it with US backing, something he has sought for years. The ultimate outcome of the war remains uncertain.

Published on March 20, 2026, the article focuses on Israel's political elite, characterizing them as "messianic" and unbound by limitations. The article suggests this group is operating without restraint, though the specific actions or policies driving this assessment are not detailed in the provided context. The article appears on a news platform that covers a range of global topics, including the Middle East, and is positioned alongside content related to US-Israel relations, Iran, and regional conflicts. The "why" behind this characterization is not explicitly stated but implied to be related to the political elite's actions and approach to governance.

Donald Trump has threatened to destroy Iran's South Pars gas field if Tehran retaliates against Qatar following Israeli strikes on the field. This threat marks a potential escalation in the US-Israel conflict with Iran. The conflict has already impacted global energy markets, with Brent crude rising 8% and European gas prices jumping 24%. The war has cost the US an estimated $18 billion within the first six days. Labor rights activist Dolores Huerta has spoken out about abuse within the UFW movement, alongside two women who allege they were victims of grooming and abuse as children.

On March 19, 2026, Iran targeted gas operations in Qatar, including its main gas facility. This action was reportedly in response to an earlier attack by Israel on Iran's primary gas field. The attacks represent an escalation of conflict in the region. Ministers from Gulf nations have issued condemnations of the escalating situation. They are also calling for an end to the conflict between Iran and Israel. The specific extent of damage to the gas facilities in Qatar and Iran is not detailed in the report.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Israel acted alone in attacking Iran's South Pars gas field, part of the world's largest natural gas field, amidst escalating tensions over energy infrastructure strikes. The attacks, which included Iranian retaliation against energy targets in Qatar and the Gulf, led to a spike in energy prices. While unnamed Israeli officials claimed the South Pars attack was coordinated with the US, President Trump stated he was unaware and requested no further attacks on energy targets. Netanyahu denied misleading Trump or dragging the US into the conflict. The attacks mark an escalation in the war against Iran, which has restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, impacting global energy supplies. Qatar warned of significant repercussions following an attack on its LNG processing plant, while Iran vowed to show "zero restraint" if its infrastructure is struck again.

QatarEnergy CEO Saad al-Kaabi reports that Iranian attacks have damaged Qatar's LNG infrastructure, eliminating 17% of its LNG export capacity. The attacks, occurring this week, damaged two LNG trains and a gas-to-liquids facility. Repairs are expected to take three to five years, resulting in a loss of 12.8 million tonnes of LNG production annually and an estimated $20 billion in lost revenue. The attacks followed Israeli military action and broader tensions, including Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz. QatarEnergy may need to declare force majeure on long-term contracts due to the damage. The strikes have been condemned by Arab Gulf neighbors as a violation of international law.

Military attacks on critical infrastructure in Qatar and Iran have triggered a significant energy shock in Europe, causing oil and gas prices to surge to levels not seen since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. On Thursday, the Dutch TTF natural gas price climbed to its highest level since December 2022, while Brent crude surpassed US$114 per barrel. Jet fuel prices in Europe have also exceeded their peak during the Russia-Ukraine war. Governments across Europe, including in Brussels and Paris, are holding crisis meetings to address the situation. The French Energy Minister attributed the price increases to Europe's dependency on external refining, particularly for diesel fuel. The attacks followed the US and Israel attacking Iran in late February.

Qatar has accused Iran of attacking its natural gas facilities, following a strike on Iran's primary natural gas source the previous day. These incidents have heightened concerns about the stability of energy supplies in the region. As a result of this uncertainty surrounding the war's impact, the price of oil has risen sharply, reaching $114 a barrel. The attacks on energy infrastructure in both Qatar and Iran are contributing to increased volatility in global oil markets. The situation is being closely monitored for further developments and potential disruptions to energy production and distribution.

In March 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Iran no longer possesses the ability to enrich uranium or manufacture ballistic missiles. The statement was made nearly three weeks into the US-Israeli war. Netanyahu also claimed that Israel is actively working to create divisions within Iran's leadership. The context of the statement is the ongoing US-Israeli war, although the specific reasons for making the claim at this time were not detailed in the article. The location of these alleged actions and capabilities is within Iran.

In March 2026, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asserted that the United States was achieving its goals regarding Iran, despite recent attacks on energy infrastructure in the Gulf region. These attacks, attributed to Iran, targeted Qatar's Ras Laffan gas facility, as well as energy sites in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The strikes caused a surge in oil prices, exceeding $100 per barrel. Hegseth's statement came amidst escalating tensions and followed the reported Iranian attacks on key Gulf energy facilities. The Defense Secretary's insistence on meeting objectives suggests a continued U.S. strategy despite the increased volatility in the region.

Following an alleged Israeli attack on Iran's South Pars gasfield, Iran has threatened to retaliate by striking energy facilities in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. Iranian authorities, via Tasnim news agency, identified specific targets including refineries and petrochemical complexes. The alleged Israeli strike reportedly damaged facilities at the South Pars field, the world's largest gasfield, located off Iran's coast. This escalation follows ongoing strikes by Israel and the US on Iranian targets since February 28, and retaliatory attacks by Iran in the Middle East, raising concerns about the conflict's impact on global energy markets. Qatar's foreign ministry has condemned the attack on the gasfield.

Iran's Pars gas field, a major energy infrastructure site in the Gulf, was struck on Wednesday, marking the first reported attack on Iranian energy infrastructure during the US-Israeli war. The attack, allegedly carried out by Israel with US consent, caused a fire and prompted evacuations. In response, Iran threatened to retaliate with attacks on oil and gas targets throughout the Gulf region. The incident led to a surge in oil prices, with Brent crude rising approximately 5%, and a decline in stock markets. The Pars gas field is the Iranian portion of the world's largest natural gas deposit, shared with Qatar.

Tensions in the Middle East are escalating following a reported Israeli strike on Iran's South Pars gas field, an action allegedly coordinated with the US. Iran confirmed the death of its intelligence minister, Esmail Khatib, and threatened retaliation against Gulf energy facilities. The UAE and Qatar condemned the attack on the gas field. Simultaneously, fighting has intensified between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Despite earlier claims of closure, Iran continues to export millions of barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, with numerous tankers traversing the waterway since the start of the conflict.

Oil prices surged after an Israeli strike on Iran's South Pars gasfield, the world's largest, located off the coast of Bushehr province. Brent crude rose 5% to $108.66 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude gained 2.5% to $98.65. The attack prompted Iran to threaten retaliatory strikes on energy infrastructure in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, and Qatar reported a fire at its Ras Laffan gas facility after an Iranian missile attack. Disruptions to Middle Eastern oil and gas exports, including halted shipments via the Strait of Hormuz, have led to estimated output cuts of 7-10 million barrels per day. Experts fear prolonged elevated prices could trigger global inflation.

Saudi Arabia is activating its Red Sea contingency plan, diverting oil tankers through the port of Yanbu to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. This action follows Iran's closure of the strait in response to recent military strikes, disrupting global energy markets. A China-bound VLCC, New Vista, recently loaded crude oil at Yanbu after avoiding the Strait of Hormuz due to safety concerns. Saudi Aramco is redirecting a larger share of crude flows through its East-West Pipeline to the Red Sea. While the Yanbu route is open to all buyers, China-bound cargoes are expected to be significant due to China's status as a major customer of Saudi Aramco. Analysts caution that the Red Sea route has limited capacity.

Despite ongoing conflict, Iran continues to export millions of barrels of oil. Approximately 90 ships, including oil tankers, have traversed the Strait of Hormuz since the war began. The Associated Press reported the activity on March 12, 2026, with images showing ships in the Strait of Hormuz and at the Mumbai Port in India. The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for oil transport, remains a key route for Iranian exports despite the ongoing war. The continued oil exports suggest Iran's efforts to maintain its economy amidst conflict.

Qatar's Foreign Ministry condemned an Iranian missile attack on the Ras Laffan Industrial City, a major gas facility, causing a fire and "extensive damage." The attack, which occurred on Wednesday, prompted a response from civil defense teams, though QatarEnergy reported no casualties. This incident follows Iran's threat to target Gulf region oil and gas facilities, including Ras Laffan, in retaliation for alleged Israeli attacks on Iranian gasfields. Qatar considers the attack a violation of its sovereignty and a threat to its national security. The incident also follows Qatar's suspension of LNG production on March 2 after attacks on the Ras Laffan facility and a power plant in Mesaieed Industrial City.

Iranian authorities have arrested dozens of individuals across multiple provinces, accusing them of spying for Israel. The arrests were reported by state media over the weekend, with the Ministry of Intelligence and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) affiliated news agencies announcing the operations. Suspects are accused of providing Israel with sensitive information, including the coordinates of Iranian military sites, economic infrastructure, public places, academic institutions, and research centers. The arrests included a 20-person group in Urmia, a 10-member group in Mazandaran province, and another 10-member network in Khorasan Razavi province. The Iranian government claims these individuals were "enemy operatives" working to undermine national security.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a death threat against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to statements published by Iranian news agencies on Sunday. The threat comes amid ongoing hostilities between Iran, Israel, and the United States, which escalated after a joint US-Israeli offensive against Iran began on February 28. Iran has retaliated with attacks against Israel and US-allied Gulf states. Despite the tensions, Iran's top diplomat stated that the country is open to proposals that would lead to a complete end to the US-Israel war on Iran.

In a news conference on March 12, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is "stronger than ever" amidst its ongoing war with Iran, alongside the United States, which began on February 28. Netanyahu claimed the attacks have severely damaged Iran's nuclear and ballistic projects, killed top nuclear scientists, and inflicted damage on the IRGC and Basij forces. He asserted that the war has prevented Iran from moving its nuclear projects underground. Netanyahu also addressed Iranian protesters, expressing support while emphasizing their role in changing their government. He further stated that the war has enabled Israel to forge new alliances in the region, despite Iranian drone and missile attacks on Gulf countries.

In a recent press conference, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, following joint air strikes with the US. Netanyahu stated that Iran has suffered significant blows to its Revolutionary Guards Corps and Basij paramilitary force since the start of the war. He vowed continued attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon after they retaliated for Israel's killing of the previous Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. When questioned about potential actions against Mojtaba Khamenei and Hezbollah's chief, Netanyahu declined to provide specifics but suggested neither should feel secure. He described the new Supreme Leader as a "puppet of the Revolutionary Guards" who is unable to appear in public.

A key Israeli legal office has advised against pardoning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at this time. The opinion comes in response to reported pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to consider a pardon. The office stated that a pardon would only be appropriate if Netanyahu resigns from his position, confesses to alleged crimes, or is formally convicted in court. Netanyahu is currently facing trial on corruption charges, which he denies. The legal office's stance effectively blocks any potential preemptive pardon, maintaining that due process must be followed before such action is considered.