According to Qatari authorities, the fire caused by the strike has been localized, and there are no casualties.
According to Bloomberg, the plant in Ras Laffan accounts for about 20% of global LNG supplies. Operations at the facility were suspended in early March following a previous attack using an Iranian drone. On March 18, the site was fully evacuated after Iran published a list of potential targets in the region, including Ras Laffan.
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack, describing it as “a dangerous escalation and a gross violation of sovereignty,” as well as “a direct threat to national security and regional stability.”
The strike on Ras Laffan represents a new phase in the escalation of the conflict, which affects critical energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf, Bloomberg notes. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on industrial facilities have already led to a sharp increase in oil and gas prices, as well as a reduction in production from several producers in the region. Recent events raise doubts about the possibility of a quick recovery of supplies, even if the strait is reopened, the agency reports.
The Qatari Ministry of Defense reported that Iran launched five ballistic missiles towards Qatar, four of which were intercepted. The Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, characterized the attack as “reckless and a dangerous escalation of the conflict in one of the key energy hubs of the world.”
The Saudi Ministry of Defense also reported the interception of eight ballistic missiles over Riyadh. Debris fell in various parts of the city, including an area near an oil refinery south of the capital. According to the Saudi Civil Defense, four foreign nationals were injured by falling debris. Additionally, the ministry reported the interception of six drones, one of which was heading towards a gas facility in the Eastern Province, CNN reports.
At the same time, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan stated after a meeting with colleagues from Arab and Islamic countries that the kingdom “reserves the right to take military action” against Iran if deemed necessary. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia “will not succumb to pressure,” adding that this pressure could backfire on the authorities themselves.
“We reserve the right to take military action if necessary, and when the time comes, the leadership of the Kingdom will make the appropriate decision. We will not shy away from protecting our country and economic resources,” he noted.
According to bin Farhan, two oil refineries in Riyadh were also “attacked,” and the industrial city of Ras Laffan suffered “significant damage.”
According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), on Thursday morning, a vessel was struck by an “unknown projectile” off the eastern coast of the UAE, near the Strait of Hormuz. The maritime administration reported that the vessel had an accident in the Gulf of Oman, located 11 nautical miles east of Khor Fakkan in the UAE, resulting in a fire on board.
In Abu Dhabi, gas production at key energy facilities was halted after debris from intercepted missiles fell. Emergency services are “responding to incidents” at the Bab oil field and the Habshan gas complex, which houses one of the largest onshore gas processing plants in the world.
Following the attacks on energy infrastructure in the Middle East, global oil prices surged to $110 per barrel.
- Earlier, Tehran warned of its intention to attack the energy infrastructure of Persian Gulf countries in response to a strike on the Iranian South Pars field.
- “South Pars” is the largest natural gas field in the world. Qatar owns “North Pars,” while Iran owns “South Pars,” which is the main source of energy resources for Turkey.
