Following reported attacks on its own energy infrastructure, Iran has issued a public warning of imminent retaliatory strikes against specific oil and gas facilities in neighboring Gulf states. The warning, conveyed through the Tasnim news agency, which is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), stated that five facilities have become "legitimate and prime targets" and would be struck within hours. Citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar were advised to evacuate the areas surrounding these locations.

Identified Targets

The warning specifically named three facilities in Saudi Arabia: the Samref refinery, the Al Jubail petrochemical complex, and the Masaiid Holding Company. In the UAE, the Al Hosn (Shah) gas field was listed, and in Qatar, the Ras Laffan refinery was identified. The text notes that most of these facilities have partnerships with U.S.-based companies, aligning with prior Iranian threats to target Middle Eastern assets with strong U.S. interests. For instance, the Samref refinery is a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and ExxonMobil, Al-Jubail is a venture with Exxon Chemical Arabia, and the Shah field is operated by a joint venture involving Occidental of the U.S.

Reported Attacks on Iranian Facilities

This warning came shortly after Iranian media reported that its own South Pars gas field—the world's largest, which it shares with Qatar—and nearby gas-processing and petrochemical facilities in Asaluyeh had been hit. Some assets were reportedly taken offline. According to reports citing Israeli and U.S. officials, this strike was coordinated with and approved by the U.S. administration. Separately, Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs suggested Israel was responsible for targeting the South Pars facilities, calling it a "dangerous & irresponsible step" and a threat to global energy security.

Market Impact

The combination of the attack on South Pars and the Iranian retaliation warning caused immediate volatility in energy markets. Oil prices surged, with Brent crude futures rising nearly 5% to $108.5 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate futures increasing around 2.4% to $98.5 per barrel. European benchmark gas prices traded approximately 7% higher, and U.S. Henry Hub gas futures also saw a modest increase.

Context of Regional Tensions

The events underscore heightened military and economic tensions in the region, focusing on critical energy infrastructure. The warning explicitly ties the planned counterattacks to facilities with U.S. corporate stakes, while the reported strike on South Pars is linked by regional actors to Israel, with U.S. involvement alleged. The suspension of operations at the Shah gas field following an earlier drone strike further illustrates the ongoing vulnerability of these assets to regional conflict.