DOHA, Qatar — Iran has launched a series of missile strikes targeting Qatar’s critical liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, hitting the key energy hub at Ras Laffan Industrial City and triggering shockwaves across global energy markets.
According to Qatari authorities and energy officials, several missiles were fired toward the facility, with at least one impacting the site and causing fires and extensive structural damage to gas processing and storage units.
The attack is widely seen as retaliation for Israeli-led strikes on Iran’s South Pars gas field, marking a dangerous escalation in the ongoing regional conflict and signaling a shift toward targeting energy infrastructure across the Gulf.
The strike has had immediate consequences for global markets. Qatar, one of the world’s largest LNG exporters supplying roughly 20% of global demand, has faced major disruptions, with some facilities forced to halt operations.
Energy analysts report that oil prices surged past $110 per barrel, while natural gas prices spiked sharply in Europe and Asia amid fears of prolonged supply shortages.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy flows, has also been affected, further compounding uncertainty in already strained markets.
Qatar condemned the strike as a direct threat to its national security and global energy stability, while air defenses across the Gulf were activated to intercept incoming projectiles. Neighboring countries, including the United Arab Emirates, reported shutting down parts of their gas infrastructure as a precaution.
In a sharp diplomatic response, Doha moved to expel Iranian military and security officials, underscoring the severity of the crisis and the growing risk of broader regional confrontation.
The targeting of energy infrastructure marks a significant turning point in the conflict, raising fears of a sustained campaign that could cripple oil and gas production across the Middle East. Analysts warn that continued strikes on facilities like Ras Laffan could lead to prolonged global energy shortages and economic instability.
With both sides signaling readiness for further retaliation, the situation remains highly volatile. Governments and markets worldwide are now closely watching the Gulf, where the stakes extend far beyond the region to the stability of global energy supply.