News Summary
Reviewed.
- Iran launched a missile strike on Qatar’s largest gas plant, Ras Laffan, with Qatar holding Iran responsible.
- The US and Israel conducted air raids targeting Iran’s South Pars gas field and oil and gas facilities.
- The Pentagon has requested a budget exceeding $200 billion for the Iran conflict, facing opposition from US Congressman Chris Van Hollen.
March 19, Kathmandu – The ongoing conflict between the US-Israel alliance and Iran has entered its 20th day. On Wednesday night, Iran launched a missile strike on Qatar’s largest gas plant, Ras Laffan.
The attack caused a massive fire and extensive damage, prompting emergency teams to be immediately deployed to control the situation.
Qatar has formally blamed Iran for the assault. The Qatari Foreign Ministry stated that Iran crossed a red line by targeting civilian and essential infrastructure.
Qatar warned that such attacks could have serious implications for regional security and urged all parties to collaborate in reducing tensions and maintaining peace.
Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed revenge for the assassination of security chief Ali Larijani, declaring that “each drop of blood will be paid for.”
Attack on the World’s Largest Gas Field
On Wednesday, the US and Israel conducted air assaults on Iran’s southern South Pars gas field and oil and gas centers located in Asaluyeh city. South Pars is regarded as the world’s largest natural gas field.
Reports indicate that the strikes targeted not only gas facilities but also petrochemical and oil infrastructure. Israeli media confirmed attacks on the gas center in the Bushehr region.
Earlier, Israel’s Defense Minister hinted at a “big surprise” in Iran and Lebanon, which is linked to these attacks.
In response, Iran has threatened major attacks on key Gulf countries. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) urged civilians to stay away from major oil and gas centers in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar.
US Congressman Opposes Funding for Iran War
According to reports, the Pentagon has requested more than $200 billion from the White House to fund the war with Iran. To date, operational costs have exceeded $11 billion. This funding proposal is likely to be submitted to the US Congress for approval.
Citing a senior administration official, reports reveal that the Pentagon has sought congressional approval for over $200 billion due to the ongoing conflict with Iran.
This amount greatly exceeds current campaign expenses in Iran, intending to rapidly increase the production of necessary weapons.
In the past two weeks, the Pentagon has made several separate requests for this fund.
The latest request is expected to provoke significant political debate within Congress.
US Congressman Chris Van Hollen has publicly opposed allocating government funds for the Iran war, pledging never to vote in favor.
He stated, “The public is not in favor of this war, and it does not make our country safer. Thus, funds should not be spent on it.”
What Did Trump Say?
Regarding the attack on Iran’s South Pars, one of the world’s largest gas fields, US President Donald Trump has commented publicly.
Following the missile strike on Qatar’s largest energy hub, Ras Laffan, on Wednesday night, considerable damage was reported.
President Trump stated that Israel would not carry out further attacks on South Pars.
Trump criticized Israel’s attack, saying it was carried out in anger but caused only limited damage to a small area.
He also claimed the US was not forewarned about this specific operation and denied any connection to Qatar in the incident.
On his Truth Social account, Trump wrote, “Israel attacked Iran’s South Pars gas field out of anger following events in the Middle East. However, only a small part of the entire region was affected. The US had no prior knowledge, and Qatar was not involved.”
He added, “Unfortunately, Iran was not aware of these facts and attacked part of Qatar’s LNG gas facilities without justification. There will be no further attacks on this important and valuable South Pars field unless Iran takes irresponsible actions and attacks innocent Qatar again.”
Trump further emphasized, “I do not support such violence and destruction as it will have long-lasting consequences for Iran’s future. However, if Qatar’s LNG facility is attacked again, I will not intervene to stop it.”
