Israel notified US ahead of strike at South Pars gas field; Washington opted out: Report
Israel carried out a strike on South Pars gas field on Wednesday after informing the United States in advance, though Washington did not participate, according to a Associated Press sources familiar with the matter.The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they could not confirm whether the United States administration supported Israel’s decision to strike the gas field—part of the world’s largest natural gas reserve and a cornerstone of Iran’s energy supply.This report comes as Israel struck the South Pars gas field, the world’s largest, on Wednesday, with facilities near Asaluyeh reported ablaze.Tehran warned it would retaliate by targeting energy infrastructure in other Gulf countries, as the attack heightened concerns over regional energy supplies and economic fallout. The attack intensified pressure on the region’s energy sector, with global oil prices jumping about 5 per cent to above $108 a barrel, raising fuel costs and adding strain to the global economy. Markets reacted sharply to fears that Iran could retaliate against Gulf energy infrastructure. Those concerns appeared to materialise within hours, when authorities in Qatar said a ballistic missile struck a key gas facility, triggering a fire that caused “extensive” damage. Doha also expelled several Iranian embassy officials following the incident. Since the conflict began on February 28, Iran has targeted energy facilities across the Persian Gulf and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz—a critical route for about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. Iran and its ally Hezbollah have also launched drones and missiles at Israel. The conflict has so far killed at least 1,300 people in Iran, over 960 in Lebanon and 14 in Israel, according to officials. The US military said 13 American service members have been killed and around 200 wounded.
