Trump Urges Israel to Avoid Gas Field Strikes as Middle East Conflict Escalates
U.S. President Donald Trump said he warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against launching further attacks on gas infrastructure after a strike on Iran’s South Pars field intensified tensions and drove global energy prices higher.
Speaking to reporters during a meeting with Japan’s prime minister, Trump said he had directly told Netanyahu not to target additional gas facilities. He expressed confidence that Israel would comply, while acknowledging that the two allies do not always agree on every action.
The comments followed an Israeli strike on the South Pars gas field, the world’s largest, which triggered sharp reactions across the region. Trump said the United States had no prior knowledge of the specific attack, describing Israel’s move as unexpected.
Despite his warning to Israel, Trump also issued a strong message to Iran, stating that any escalation from Tehran could prompt a significant U.S. response targeting the same gas field.
Iran responded forcefully to the strike, launching attacks on energy infrastructure across multiple countries, including Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The retaliatory actions contributed to a surge in oil and gas prices and raised concerns about broader regional instability.
Missile strikes and drone attacks were reported across key energy sites. In Saudi Arabia, an oil refinery was hit and ballistic missiles targeted the capital, Riyadh, prompting air defense responses. Saudi officials said the attacks had severely damaged trust and warned that military retaliation remained an option.
Qatar also reported significant impacts, stating that Iranian strikes on its Ras Laffan facility reduced liquefied natural gas export capacity by 17 percent and could result in an estimated $20 billion in annual losses.
In Israel, an oil refinery in the northern city of Haifa was damaged during Iranian strikes, while air raid sirens sounded in Jerusalem amid continued missile barrages.
Israeli officials maintained that the initial strike on Iranian energy infrastructure was carried out independently. Netanyahu rejected claims that Israel was attempting to draw the United States into the conflict, calling such suggestions inaccurate.
However, differing accounts emerged, with some Israeli officials indicating the operation had been coordinated with the United States in advance, though not expected to be repeated.
Senior U.S. officials sought to downplay any rift between the two allies. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described Israel as a key partner, while noting the strike may have been intended as a warning to Iran.
At the same time, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard suggested there were differences in strategic objectives. She said Israel is primarily focused on weakening Iran’s leadership, while the United States aims to limit Iran’s missile capabilities and naval power.
The escalating conflict has drawn sharp international concern. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attacks on critical infrastructure and called for immediate de-escalation among all parties.
Global powers also raised alarm over threats to vital shipping routes. The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes, has been affected by the الأزمة, with Iran accused of disrupting maritime traffic.
The United Kingdom and several allied nations განაცხადა they were prepared to support efforts to ensure safe passage through the strait and stabilize global energy flows.
Meanwhile, Iran signaled that its response so far had been limited, warning that further attacks on its infrastructure would lead to more extensive retaliation against regional energy targets.
With strikes continuing and no clear path to de-escalation, tensions remain high as governments assess the risk of a broader conflict and its impact on global energy markets.
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