Trump Warns of ‘Massive’ Strike on Iranian Gas Field

Former President Donald Trump issued a stern warning Thursday, threatening a “massive” military response against Iran if it attacks Qatar’s energy facilities. The statement came after reports that Israel struck Iran’s South Pars natural gas field, the world’s largest, in retaliation for earlier attacks. Iran, in turn, has threatened to target energy infrastructure in other Gulf states.

Escalating Tensions in the Middle East

The Middle East remains a volatile region, with Israel and Iran engaged in a cycle of attacks and counter-attacks. On Thursday morning, local time, Beirut was under a rising sun as news emerged of Israel’s strikes. Reports indicated that Israel had eliminated Iran’s intelligence minister, marking the third high-ranking official killed in just two days. Iran has responded by targeting Israel with further strikes.

Israel Targets Iranian Leadership, Iran Retaliates

In Tehran, hundreds gathered for the funeral of top Iranian security leader Ali Larani, chanting slogans against the United States and Israel. Meanwhile, Israel confirmed the killing of Iran’s intelligence minister, Ezib, in an overnight strike. An Israeli spokesperson stated, “Israel’s policy is clear and unequivocal. No one in Iran has immunity. Everyone is a target.”

Iran has also inflicted casualties, with missile strikes hitting residential areas near Tel Aviv. These attacks have utilized cluster bombs, which break apart mid-air to release numerous smaller bomblets. This tactic helps bypass air defenses and reach populated neighborhoods. One such strike injured several people and tragically killed a couple in their 70s near Tel Aviv.

“That is one of the evidences of this harsh reality that we have here. Actually dealing with it every day and every night. Sleeping is a privilege.”

Iran Strikes Qatar’s Gas Facility, Trump Responds

Following an Israeli air strike on the South Pars gas field, Iran followed through on its threats to attack oil infrastructure in other Gulf states. Qatar reported that its main gas facility was hit by Iranian missiles. The Qatari government condemned the strikes, calling them a threat to global energy security and its own national security.

The South Pars field is a critical component of Iran’s energy supply. While an Associated Press source indicated the U.S. was aware of Israel’s strike but did not participate, former President Trump took to Truth Social to deny any U.S. knowledge of the attack. He stated, “The United States knew nothing about this particular attack.”

Trump’s Stark Warning

Trump’s statement on Truth Social expressed anger over Israel’s actions, calling the strike on the South Pars field a “violent lash-out.” He clarified that Qatar was not involved and had no prior knowledge of the attack. The former president then issued a direct threat to Iran:

“If Qatar’s LNG is attacked again, I will not hesitate to do so. Thank you for this attention to this matter.”

He warned that the U.S., with or without Israel’s help, would “massively blow up the entirety of South P’s gas field at an amount of strength and power that Iran has never seen or witnessed before.” Trump added that he did not want to authorize such violence due to long-term implications but would act if Qatar’s energy facilities were targeted again.

Broader Implications and Future Developments

The escalating conflict has significant implications for global energy markets, given the importance of the South Pars field and Qatar’s role as a major LNG exporter. Saudi Arabia has also reported intercepting drones and ballistic missiles aimed at its energy facilities, highlighting the widespread threat to regional energy security. Meanwhile, in a separate development, members of Iran’s national women’s soccer team returned home, with some players having sought asylum in Australia.

The U.S. Department of Defense is expected to hold a press conference on Friday morning at 8:00 a.m. Eastern time to provide an update on U.S. military operations in Iran, under what is termed “Operation Epic Fury.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegath and Chairman General Dan Kaine are scheduled to speak.

Source: Trump threatens to 'massively blow up' major Iranian gas field (YouTube)