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.

In a written Nowruz message broadcast on Iranian television, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei stated that Iran's enemies are being "defeated" despite ongoing attacks from the US and Israel. Khamenei praised the Iranian people's resilience and declared the new year as one of "resistance economy under national unity and national security." He claimed that the unity among Iranians, despite their differences, has led to the enemy's defeat. Khamenei, who assumed leadership after his father's assassination in February, asserted that the US and Israel miscalculated by believing attacks would lead to the government's overthrow. He added that the enemy's plan to dominate and dismember Iran has failed, resulting in a "fracture" within their ranks.

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.

Recent attacks on energy facilities in the Gulf, including bombings by Israel on Iranian sites, have escalated tensions in the Middle East. Iran has responded by increasing attacks on its Gulf neighbors' energy infrastructure, causing significant damage that will take years to repair and potentially reduce exports, according to Qatar. Experts warn this escalation is dangerous because the Gulf region accounts for a fifth of global energy output. The risks of turning energy sites into battlefields are being discussed by experts such as Mohsen Baharvand, Jim Walsh, and John Sfakianakis, focusing on the potential for global economic disruption.

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.

Following the assassinations of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and security chief Ali Larijani in March 2026, questions have arisen regarding Iran's leadership and power dynamics. The assassinations, which began with attacks by Israel and the US in late February, have created uncertainty about the chain of command. While Mojtaba Khamenei has been announced as the new Supreme Leader, his lack of experience and reported injuries raise concerns. Analysts suggest that lesser-known figures may rise to power, and Iran might delay naming a successor to Larijani for security reasons. Potential influential figures include Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Saeed Jalili. The situation remains fluid, with the exact power structure in Tehran unclear.

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.

According to Israeli national security sources, Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is not effectively controlling the regime. Since his father's death in late February, Mojtaba has not made any public appearances, with some reports claiming he was injured in the strike that killed his father. Despite Iranian officials' claims of good health, sources suggest Mojtaba is an "empty entity" and the Iranian leadership is "broken" and "misfunctioning." A message attributed to Mojtaba was broadcast on Iranian state TV, vowing revenge for recent Israeli strikes that have killed several senior Iranian officials, including Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani. These strikes are part of what the IDF describes as a continuing and successful effort.

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.

On March 18, 2026, Iran confirmed the death of its national security chief, Ali Larijani, following an Israeli air strike. This comes less than three weeks after the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes. Israel has vowed to "neutralize" the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. Larijani, a close confidant of the late Ayatollah, played a key role in Iran's retaliatory actions during the ongoing war in the Middle East. The assassination occurred amidst rising tensions, with Iran threatening shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and the US criticizing allies for not assisting in escorting oil tankers.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz claimed Israel killed Iran's intelligence minister, Esmaeil Khatib, which, if confirmed, would be the third high-profile assassination of Iranian leaders in two days. This follows the reported deaths of security chief Ali Larijani and Basij paramilitary head Gholamreza Soleimani in Israeli air strikes on Tuesday. Iran has not confirmed Khatib's death but will hold funerals for Larijani and Soleimani on Wednesday. Katz also announced that he and Prime Minister Netanyahu authorized the military to eliminate other senior Iranian officials without requiring further approval. The alleged assassinations come amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, with Iran launching a retaliatory missile attack on Israel.

On March 17, 2026, the US and Israel are continuing attacks on Iranian cities, marking the 18th day of the conflict. The fighting has spread regionally, with Iran retaliating against US assets in neighboring countries and Israel bombing Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Attacks on Iranian cities, including Tehran and Arak, have resulted in civilian casualties, including children. Amnesty International has reported that a US attack on a primary school in Minab, Iran, killed at least 170 people. The conflict has caused a global energy crisis by disrupting shipping and displacing millions of civilians. As of today, at least 1,444 people have been killed and 18,551 injured in Iran due to the attacks.

The article discusses the escalating conflict in the Middle East following a US-Israeli attack on Iran in late February. Drones and missiles have struck the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, disrupting oil and gas industries and causing tourists and expats to leave. The UK has stated it will not be drawn into the wider war, even after Donald Trump called for allies to send warships to the strait of Hormuz. In other news, Keir Starmer announced £53m in government support for households reliant on heating oil. A student in Kent died from meningitis, and campaigners are calling for pollution alerts in Windermere after a child contracted E. coli. The BBC is seeking to dismiss Donald Trump's $10bn lawsuit over a documentary. Finally, Belgium's prime minister is facing criticism for suggesting normalized relations with Russia to restore cheap energy supplies.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that Ali Larijani, Iran's national security chief, and General Gholam Reza Soleimani, head of the Basij paramilitary force, were "eliminated" in a Tehran strike. Katz stated he was informed of the event by the Chief of Staff. The alleged killings follow a previous strike that reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in February. Iranian state media acknowledged Larijani's existence through a published note, but there was no official comment from Tehran regarding Katz's statement. Larijani, a former parliamentary speaker and advisor, was a key figure in Iranian politics and nuclear strategy. Soleimani headed the Basij, a major Iranian paramilitary organization.

The article reports on the potential assassination of Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, allegedly by Israel. The author argues that Larijani's death would be a significant blow to Iran, possibly greater than the loss of Supreme Leader Khamenei, due to Larijani's influence and connections within Iran and with foreign powers like China and Russia. His removal eliminates a potential figure who could have facilitated a ceasefire or transition in leadership, similar to Delcy Rodríguez in Venezuela. The article suggests this loss also highlights the lack of viable alternative leaders within Iran recognized by the US, as Trump has refused to endorse Reza Pahlavi, the son of the former Shah.

Ali Larijani is a top security official in Iran and a close confidant of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Following Khamenei's death, Larijani has become the prominent face of the Iranian government. He is a key figure in Iranian politics and national security. The article highlights Larijani's rise to prominence after a significant event, positioning him as a central figure in the country's leadership. His close relationship with the former leader underscores his influence and importance within the Iranian political system.

Ali Larijani, a close confidant of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is a top security official in Iran. Following Khamenei's death, Larijani has become a prominent figure in the Iranian government. He is now the face of the government, stepping into a leadership role after the death of the previous leader. Larijani's close relationship with Khamenei positions him as a key player in Iran's political landscape. His emergence signifies a potential shift in power dynamics within the country.

Ali Larijani, Iran's security chief and a key figure in shaping national strategy, was killed in an Israeli air strike. As secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Larijani was central to decisions on war, diplomacy, and national security, especially regarding the US and Israel. His death, confirmed by state media, follows a series of killings of senior Iranian officials, suggesting a deliberate effort to weaken Iran's leadership during wartime. Larijani was managing the ongoing war, domestic unrest, and stalled nuclear negotiations at the time of his death. His removal leaves these crises unresolved and creates a leadership vacuum amid a fragile situation, with any successor facing immediate risk.

Ali Larijani, a powerful and central figure in Iranian politics for decades, has been assassinated. The Iranian government confirmed the death of Larijani, who held the position of security chief, on March 17, 2026. This marks the highest-ranking Iranian official assassination since Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Larijani's death is a significant event due to his long-standing influence and high-level position within the Iranian government. The assassination occurred amidst ongoing tensions in the region, although the article does not specify the location.