Israel Strikes Iran’s Pars Gas Field in Bushehr

Iranian authorities reported that airstrikes struck key facilities linked to the massive South Pars gas field in southern Iran, marking the first direct attack on Iran’s energy infrastructure since the escalation of hostilities between Iran and the United States and Israel.

Official Iranian media, including IRNA and state television, reported that gas and petrochemical facilities in the city of Asaluyeh were targeted, causing fires in parts of the complex. 

The Tasnim News Agency stated that petrochemical units at South Pars were affected, though the full extent of the damage remains unclear. Local authorities confirmed that firefighting teams contained the blaze after shutting down affected units to prevent further spread.

South Pars is Iran’s largest natural gas source and one of the world’s largest gas fields, shared with Qatar via the Persian Gulf. It supplies a substantial portion of Iran’s gas for electricity generation, industrial use, and domestic consumption. Social media footage showed thick smoke rising from parts of the refinery and workers evacuating the site amid chaotic conditions.

An Associated Press source said the United States was informed in advance of Israel’s plan but did not participate in executing the strike. According to senior officials cited by Axios, the Israeli Air Force targeted a natural gas processing facility in southwestern Iran, coordinated with and approved by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. A U.S. Defense Department official confirmed that the operation was coordinated between Washington and Tel Aviv.

Iran’s Ministry of Petroleum later acknowledged damage to some field facilities while confirming that fires were contained. Analysts warn that the strike, combined with ongoing regional tensions, could further disrupt global energy markets and complicate efforts to maintain energy security in the Gulf.