News Summary
Editorially reviewed.
- Iran has intensified pressure by attacking energy centers in Gulf countries in retaliation for Israeli assaults.
- Iranian missile strikes in Israel have resulted in four deaths, including three Palestinian women and one foreign national.
- Attacks in the Gulf region have caused natural gas prices in Europe to surge by 35%.
March 19, Kathmandu – In response to Israeli attacks, Iran has escalated tensions by targeting energy centers across several Gulf countries following an incident at its South Pars gas field.
The attacks on energy facilities on the 20th day of the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran have further destabilized global affairs.
Both sides have intensified their offensives. According to international news agencies, Iranian missile strikes in Israel have killed four people, including three Palestinian women and one foreign citizen.
Reports indicate the incident occurred Wednesday night when missile debris fell on a beauty parlor.
In central Israel, a Thai citizen also lost his life when an Iranian missile debris landed in the Sharon region, killing the 20-year-old agricultural worker who was laboring in the fields.
Meanwhile, Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi criticized the United States for mishandling its foreign policy.
He stated that the situation worsened after Israel and the U.S. launched attacks just as a potential agreement between the U.S. and Iran was underway.
Although he said Iran’s counterattacks were wrong, he noted that such a response was predictable under the circumstances.
He added that America made a significant mistake by involving itself in this conflict, emphasizing, “This was not America’s war, and it gains no benefit from it.”
Natural Gas Prices Rise by 35%
Following intense assaults on energy centers in the Gulf, natural gas prices in Europe surged by 35% today. According to Reuters, gas prices in Europe have already risen by more than 60% since February 28.
The global benchmark Brent crude oil price reached $112 per barrel. Since the war began, crude oil prices have increased by over 48%, sustaining above $100 since March 13.
The escalating conflict in the Middle East is increasing uncertainty over energy supplies.
Qatar reported significant damage to its major gas facility, Ras Laffan, due to the Iranian missile attacks. Kuwait confirmed drone attacks on two of its oil refineries.
The energy centers attacked on the 20th day of conflict are:
1. Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar
On Thursday morning, Qatar announced that its main gas hub, Ras Laffan Industrial City, suffered severe damage caused by Iranian missiles.
2. Mina Al-Ahmadi Refinery, Kuwait
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation stated that a drone crashed into the Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery located about 50 kilometers south of Kuwait City, causing a fire. No casualties have been reported.
3. Mina Abdullah Refinery, Kuwait
They also confirmed a drone attack caused a fire at the Mina Abdullah refinery in the southern part of the country.
4. Habshan Gas Plant and Bab Oilfield, UAE
UAE officials said that missile debris falling in the Habshan gas plant and Bab oilfield areas caused disruptions, and they are conducting retaliatory measures. No human casualties have been reported so far.
5. Samref Refinery, Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Ministry of Defense reported a drone crash at the Saudi Aramco Samref Refinery located in the Yanbu port area, with an assessment of damages underway.
(Contributions from agency reports)
