Iran targets Israel and Gulf Arab states even as Trump says US is in talks to end the war

In March 2026, tensions escalated between Iran and Israel, leading to attacks on energy infrastructure. The conflict began after Israel targeted Iran's South Pars gasfield. In response, Iran struck an Israeli oil refinery in Haifa and other regional energy facilities, including Qatar's Ras Laffan gas facility, potentially reducing Qatar's LNG export capacity by 17%. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran used limited force and threatened intensified strikes with "zero restraint" if its energy sites are targeted again. The attacks have raised concerns about potential disruptions to global energy supplies, particularly in Europe and Asia.

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.

Kuwait's Mina Al-Ahmadi oil refinery was struck again by Iranian drones on Friday, resulting in fires at several units. This marks the second consecutive day of attacks, with the refinery also being hit on Thursday and causing fires. Kuwaiti firefighters are working to contain the blazes, and no injuries have been reported. The attacks occurred as Kuwait celebrated Eid al-Fitr. These incidents follow Israel's bombing of Iran's South Pars offshore natural gas field in the Persian Gulf on Wednesday, amid increasing Iranian targeting of energy sites in Gulf Arab states.

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.

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.

Tensions have escalated in the Middle East, with Iran intensifying attacks on Gulf energy facilities following an Israeli strike on an Iranian gas field. Kuwait reported a drone attack that sparked a fire at an oil refinery. The conflict has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil transport, trapping a large percentage of crude and refined products within the Persian Gulf. Simultaneously, fighting has renewed between Israel and Hezbollah, with Israeli strikes hitting both southern Lebanon and Beirut, including city center neighborhoods. These events suggest a widening conflict with potential global economic consequences due to disruptions in oil supply.

On March 19, 2026, Iran reportedly launched missile attacks targeting energy facilities in Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Qatar ordered Iranian security and military attaches to leave the country after Iranian missiles caused extensive damage to its main gas facility at Ras Laffan. The UAE shut down the Habshan gas facilities in Abu Dhabi following an Iranian attack. Saudi Arabia reported attacks on two of its refineries, leading Riyadh to declare that any remaining trust in Iran had been completely shattered. The attacks followed an alleged Israeli strike on Iran's South Pars gasfield, with the Iranian President warning of severe consequences.

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Israel attacked Iran's South Pars gasfield, prompting Iranian retaliation against energy facilities in Qatar and the UAE. Donald Trump claimed the US was unaware of the Israeli strike, despite reports suggesting otherwise. He threatened to "blow up" the entire South Pars gasfield if Iran retaliates against Qatar's gas facilities, which share the field. Qatar reported significant damage to its LNG hub at Ras Laffan following Iranian strikes. These attacks on critical energy infrastructure have heightened fears of global energy supply disruptions, causing oil and natural gas prices to surge in international markets. The conflict marks the first targeted attacks on Iranian fossil fuel production since the start of the conflict.

In March 2026, an Iranian strike on Qatar's Ras Laffan gas facility is projected to significantly impact global LNG supplies. Qatari officials estimate the attack will reduce the country's LNG export capacity by approximately 17% for three to five years. The damage to the Ras Laffan facility, located in Qatar, is expected to disrupt energy supplies to Europe, Asia, and other regions. This reduction in Qatar's export capacity represents a major blow to the global energy market. The reason for the strike has not been disclosed in the article.

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.

Oil and gas prices have surged to multi-year highs following escalating attacks between Iran and Israel on gasfields in the Middle East. Iran damaged Qatar's Ras Laffan, the world's largest LNG facility, impacting 17% of QatarEnergy's LNG export capacity and potentially taking years to repair. This attack was in response to Israel's strike on Iran's South Pars gasfield. Consequently, Brent crude oil rose by 8% to $116 a barrel, and European gas prices jumped 24% to €68 a megawatt hour. The disruption to energy supplies triggered a global stock market sell-off, with markets in Asia, Europe, and the US all declining. The attacks have altered the global gas market outlook, with potential long-term disruptions to LNG availability.

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.

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.

Recent events show escalating conflict as Iran launches attacks on Israel and Gulf neighbors, while Israel strikes Beirut. An Israeli airstrike flattened an apartment building in Bachoura, central Beirut, following warnings to residents. Earlier strikes on residential apartments in Beirut resulted in casualties. In response, Iran launched missile attacks on Israel, with one striking an apartment in Ramat Gan. Elsewhere, a drone strike near Dubai International Airport caused a fire and temporary suspension of flights. These events occurred in March 2026, with the Beirut strike happening on a Wednesday.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed that Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib was killed in an air strike, which Israel claimed responsibility for on Wednesday. This follows the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28th and other efforts by Israel and the US to weaken Iran's leadership. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized the IDF to eliminate senior Iranian officials. The IDF said Khatib, appointed in 2021, played a significant role in suppressing protests and that the Ministry of Intelligence supported "repression and terrorist activities." Khatib was sanctioned by the US Treasury in 2022 for cyber activities. According to the Iranian government, over 1,300 people have been killed in Israeli and US strikes on Iran since the start of the war.

Iran launched a missile attack on central Israel, including the Ramat Gan area and Tel Aviv, on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. The attack, using cluster munitions, killed two people in Ramat Gan and damaged a Tel Aviv train station. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility, stating the attack was retaliation for Israel's assassination of Iranian security chief Ali Larijani and the head of the Basij paramilitary force, Gholamreza Soleimani. The attack follows escalating tensions and ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. In response, Iran also executed a man accused of spying for Israel's Mossad intelligence agency.

In Tehran, Iran, funeral processions were held on March 18, 2026, for senior security officials Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani. Large crowds of Iranian citizens attended the events. The funerals were held to honor the lives of Larijani and Soleimani, both prominent figures in the Iranian government and security apparatus. Ali Larijani was a high ranking official and Gholamreza Soleimani was also a senior security official. The article does not specify the cause of death for either man.

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.

In March 2026, following the killings of Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted the stability of Iran's political system. Araghchi stated that the Islamic Republic is designed to endure disruptions, even the loss of high-ranking officials. He emphasized that the system's strength lies in its structure, preventing any single individual from destabilizing it. The statement was made in response to concerns about the potential impact of the targeted killings on Iran's internal affairs and regional influence. The foreign minister's comments aimed to reassure both domestic and international audiences about the resilience of the Iranian government.

Following the assassination of Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the killing would not destabilize Iran's political system. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Araghchi asserted that Iran's government has a strong political structure that does not rely on any single individual. He referenced the earlier assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, noting that the system continued despite the loss. Araghchi emphasized that while individuals are influential, the political system is solid and can withstand the removal of key figures. Larijani's death marks the removal of the most senior figure in Tehran’s leadership since the start of US-Israeli strikes.

On March 17, 2026, Al Jazeera reported that Israel assassinated Ali Larijani, Iran's security chief. According to Al Jazeera's senior political analyst Marwan Bishara, the assassination was carried out by Israel with the intention of disrupting potential talks between the United States and Iran. Bishara stated that this action is part of a broader Israeli strategy to prolong the war and potentially instigate regime change in Iran. The assassination and its alleged motivations are presented as a continuation of what Bishara describes as a pattern of targeted killings by Israel. The report highlights the potential impact of the assassination on diplomatic relations and regional stability.

On March 16, 2026, Israel launched strikes on Tehran and Beirut, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in the Lebanese capital. In response, Iran fired missiles that sent shrapnel falling on Jerusalem. The conflict, which began on February 28, 2026, has also seen Iran target Gulf neighbors, with a drone strike hitting a fuel tank near Dubai International Airport, causing flight disruptions. The airport has been repeatedly targeted by Iranian drones and shut down for several days since the start of the war. The U.S. has also been involved, with a U.S.-Israeli strike hitting a police station in Tehran on Friday, March 15, 2026.

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.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, top Iranian officials Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, and Gholamreza Soleimani, Basij Commander, were killed in a strike. Katz stated the elimination occurred the previous night, following the launch of war against Iran by Israel in conjunction with the U.S. more than two weeks prior. The IDF noted Larijani was a veteran figure close to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and oversaw the suppression of Iranian protestors. The IDF also stated Soleimani, as Basij commander for six years, led main repression operations against civilian demonstrators. The U.S. government previously offered a reward for information on Larijani as part of its Rewards for Justice program.

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, a prominent Iranian politician and national security official, has died at the age of 67. Larijani was a close advisor to the former Supreme Leader of Iran and a significant figure in Iranian politics. He played a key role in navigating Iran's internal political landscape. Larijani also led the government's response to protests that occurred earlier this year. His death marks the loss of a powerful and influential figure within the Iranian government.

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.