In a statement on Wednesday, Trump said Israel had “violently lashed out” in striking the massive gas facility one of the most important energy sites in the world but, stressed that no additional strikes would occur unless Iran launches further attacks.

“No more attacks will be made by Israel… unless Iran unwisely decides to attack… Qatar,” Trump said, warning that the United States would respond forcefully if that threshold is crossed.

Strike on world’s largest gas field

The attack targeted Iran’s South Pars gas field, the largest natural gas reserve globally, shared with Qatar. The strike caused fires and damage to infrastructure near Iran’s southern coast and disrupted part of the country’s energy production.

South Pars is central to Iran’s domestic energy supply, providing roughly 80% of its natural gas needs, making the strike both economically and strategically significant.

The incident marks one of the most serious escalations in the ongoing Iran conflict, which has seen increasing direct strikes on energy infrastructure across the region.

Iran retaliates with regional strikes

Following the Israeli attack, Iran launched missile strikes targeting energy facilities in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, significantly widening the conflict.

Qatar’s Ras Laffan industrial city one of the world’s most important liquefied natural gas (LNG) hubs was hit, causing extensive damage and fires.

Saudi Arabia reported intercepting missiles and drones, while the UAE said attacks forced shutdowns at key gas facilities in Abu Dhabi.

The wave of retaliatory strikes has raised fears of a broader regional war involving multiple Gulf states.

Trump distances U.S. from initial strike

Trump emphasized that the United States had no prior knowledge of Israel’s attack and was not involved in planning it.

However, conflicting reports from other outlets suggest U.S. officials may have been aware of the operation in advance, highlighting uncertainty over Washington’s role in the escalation.

Despite distancing the U.S. from the initial strike, Trump issued a stark warning to Tehran: any further attacks on Qatar would trigger massive U.S. retaliation against Iran’s energy infrastructure.

Global energy markets shaken

The attacks on key oil and gas infrastructure have sent shockwaves through global energy markets. Oil prices surged toward $110 per barrel, while natural gas prices in Europe jumped sharply amid fears of supply disruptions.

The Strait of Hormuz through which a significant portion of the world’s energy supply passes remains under threat, further amplifying concerns about global energy security.

Rising risk of wider conflict

Analysts warn that the targeting of energy infrastructure marks a dangerous new phase in the conflict, with economic and civilian systems increasingly in the crosshairs.

Iran has vowed further retaliation, while Gulf nations have condemned the attacks and signaled readiness to defend their critical assets.

With multiple countries now directly affected and energy supplies at risk, the situation remains highly volatile.

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In JERUSALEM the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will continue its military campaign against Iran, declaring that the country is “not finished yet” with its operations as the conflict enters its second week.

Speaking amid ongoing strikes, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel will persist until its strategic objectives are achieved, including weakening Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities. The Israeli offensive, known as Operation “Roaring Lion,” has targeted key military facilities, missile infrastructure and command centers across Iran.

The Israeli leader said the campaign is necessary to eliminate what he described as an existential threat posed by Iran’s weapons programs and regional military activities. Israeli officials claim significant progress has already been made in degrading Iran’s military infrastructure.

Escalation of military operations

Israel has intensified its air and intelligence operations during the campaign, conducting multiple waves of strikes across Iranian territory. According to Israeli officials, the attacks are aimed at dismantling Iran’s ballistic missile program and preventing further development of nuclear capabilities.

Netanyahu recently stated that Israeli forces had achieved near-complete control of the skies over Tehran following a series of coordinated strikes carried out with support from the United States.

The operation began after intelligence assessments indicated that Iran was rebuilding parts of its missile and nuclear infrastructure following previous confrontations with Israel. Israeli authorities argue that delaying action could have allowed Tehran to strengthen its military capabilities significantly.

Regional tensions rise

The conflict has significantly increased tensions across the Middle East. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks against Israeli and U.S. interests, while allied militant groups in the region have also become involved.

The fighting has raised concerns among global leaders about the possibility of a broader regional war. Diplomatic efforts to contain the conflict are ongoing, but both sides have continued military operations.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the country does not seek a prolonged war but will continue its campaign until it believes the threat from Iran has been sufficiently neutralized.

Global implications

The escalating conflict has also rattled global energy markets and prompted fears of disruptions to oil supplies, particularly if tensions spread to critical shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

Analysts warn that the next phase of the conflict could determine whether the crisis remains limited to Israel and Iran or expands into a wider regional confrontation.

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Top military commanders have told reporters the current phase of operations, which has already seen extensive air and missile strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure, is just the beginning of a sustained effort to degrade Tehran’s strategic capabilities. The IDF has said it expects this next phase to last at least one to two more weeks, focusing on what it described as “systematic pounding” of thousands more regime-linked targets.

Wider Campaign After Initial Strikes

Israel and U.S. forces began coordinated strikes last weekend, targeting Iranian military positions, missile sites and command structures following what both governments described as mounting threats from Iran’s ballistic missile and drone arsenal. The offensive has already included thousands of bombs and missiles dropped in the opening days of the campaign and has significantly damaged Iran’s air defense networks and strategic assets.

Israeli military planners now say the focus will shift to a broader set of objectives. According to officials, the coming weeks could see bombing runs targeting weapons production, command and control facilities, missile launchers and other infrastructure deemed vital to Tehran’s military operations cumulatively amounting to thousands of additional strikes.

Iran’s Response and Regional Fallout

Iran has responded to the offensive with its own barrage of ballistic missiles and drones striking targets in Israel, the Gulf and U.S. bases in the region. Analysts say both sides are increasingly locked in a tit‑for‑tat cycle that carries serious risks of broader regional escalation.

The ongoing strikes have already had significant humanitarian and economic consequences. Casualties continue to mount, with Iranian state media reporting more than 1,000 deaths since the campaign began, and Iran launching renewed counter‑attacks across the region.

Strategic Aims and Political Signals

Israeli leaders frame the extended campaign as necessary to dismantle Iran’s ability to threaten Israel and destabilize the region, insisting the strikes will continue until their objectives are met. Some military sources have described the offensive as aimed not only at slowing Iran’s immediate military capabilities but at dismantling the broader infrastructure that supports its regional influence.

U.S. officials, meanwhile, continue to lend support to the operation, with American forces striking alongside Israeli jets and bombers. Together, the two militaries have pushed deep into Iranian airspace in an effort to achieve air superiority and degrade Tehran’s capacity for retaliation.

Global and Regional Impact

The widening conflict has also disrupted transport and energy markets. Airspace closures and heightened security alerts have led to flight cancellations at major Gulf hubs, while oil prices remain volatile due to fears of instability in the wider Middle East.

Governments around the world are watching closely, warning that the conflict’s escalation risks drawing in other actors and destabilizing an already volatile region. Diplomatic efforts to contain the situation have so far failed to halt the offensive or produce a ceasefire.

For now, military planners on both sides appear committed to extending the campaign, with Israel preparing for a protracted effort “in the coming weeks” and Tehran signaling it will continue striking back as long as foreign forces remain in its airspace or strike its territory.

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This is the first confirmed direct missile assault from Iran onto Israeli soil, marking an unprecedented flashpoint in the long-standing hostility between the two regional powers.

 Ballistic Missiles Fired From Iran

Iran’s state broadcaster announced late Friday night that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had launched a “comprehensive retaliation” in response to Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities.

“Hundreds of missiles have been launched at key Israeli military and political targets,” the broadcast said, labeling the strike as “Operation Martyr Soleimani,” in reference to the slain IRGC commander.

While Iran has supported proxy groups like Hezbollah and Hamas for decades, this direct launch from Iranian territory signals a new phase of regional warfare.

 Explosions Heard in Israeli Cities

Explosions shook Tel Aviv and Jerusalem around 10:30 PM local time, triggering mass air raid sirens and sending civilians scrambling into shelters.

“It sounded like the sky was cracking open,” said Rachel Levi, a Tel Aviv resident who witnessed a missile interception overhead. “We saw fire in the air, and then the sound of a huge boom.”

The Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile defense systems have reportedly intercepted many but not all of the incoming missiles, according to a preliminary statement from the IDF.

Israel Responds: “We Are Under Direct Attack”

The Israeli military confirmed the unprecedented attack and stated that its missile defense network is fully engaged, while military jets are being deployed to target launch sites and strategic assets in Iran.

“Israel is under direct attack from Iran. We will defend our people with full force,” said Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, IDF spokesperson. “All Israeli citizens should stay in or near protected areas.”

The Israeli Security Cabinet has convened an emergency war session, and the country is now under a state of national emergency.

The United States has condemned the attack and pledged “ironclad support” for Israel, according to a statement from the White House.

“This is a reckless and dangerous escalation by Iran. We are coordinating with Israeli officials and regional partners to prevent further bloodshed,” said U.S. President Donald Trump.

Pentagon sources have confirmed that U.S. forces in the region are now on high alert, and aircraft carriers in the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf have been repositioned in anticipation of further escalation.

A New Phase of Middle East Conflict

This marks the first time Iran has launched a direct, large-scale ballistic missile attack on Israeli territory, crossing a line that experts feared for years. Analysts are calling it a “historic turning point” in Middle East geopolitics.

“This is no longer a shadow war,” said former U.N. envoy to the region, Dr. Adam Weissman. “This is open warfare between Iran and Israel  with regional and global implications.”

As of now, casualty figures have not been confirmed, but emergency services in Israel report several injuries and widespread infrastructure damage in parts of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.