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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The statement comes just days after Israel launched five waves of airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear targets, igniting fears of a broader regional war. While Trump acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defense, he warned that continued offensive action could undermine fragile progress made during the ongoing backchannel negotiations with Iran.

Trump: “I’m a Man of Peace, Let’s Finish the Deal”

Speaking during a press briefing at the White House, President Trump framed his position as a balancing act between supporting Israel, a longtime ally, and seeking a lasting diplomatic solution with Iran.

“Israel has legitimate security concerns. But right now, we’re closer than ever to a workable nuclear deal. I’ve told Prime Minister Netanyahu: don’t strike while peace is still possible,” Trump said.

He reiterated his belief that Iran could still avert a full-scale conflict if it agrees to deeper nuclear transparency and limits on uranium enrichment key sticking points in the current negotiations.

“I am, and always have been, a man of peace. We don’t need another war in the Middle East. We need solutions.”

Nuclear Deal Talks: 6th Round Set in Oman

Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, is scheduled to lead a sixth round of indirect talks with Iranian negotiators this Sunday in Muscat, Oman a long-time neutral mediator in U.S.-Iran diplomacy.

Sources close to the negotiations say Oman has helped bridge significant gaps, especially around Iran’s compliance with IAEA inspections and its ballistic missile development program.

“We’re not there yet, but we’re getting close,” Witkoff said in a brief statement to reporters. “The stakes couldn’t be higher.”

U.S. Draws Red Lines: No Offensive Support for Israel’s Strikes

While reaffirming support for Israel’s security, President Trump also made it clear that the United States will not provide offensive military assistance for any unilateral Israeli strike on Iranian soil.

“We are not authorizing or assisting in offensive operations against Iran,” a senior U.S. defense official confirmed. “We remain focused on diplomacy but we’re monitoring the situation closely.”

American forces in the Persian Gulf and eastern Mediterranean remain on high alert, with the Pentagon emphasizing defensive posturing only.

Israel’s Response: Netanyahu Vows to “Act if Needed”

Despite Trump’s appeal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remained defiant in a televised address late Thursday, stating:

“Israel will act, with or without permission, if our survival is threatened. We appreciate the friendship of the United States, but we must do what is necessary.”

However, sources inside Israel’s Defense Ministry suggest that military leaders are closely watching the diplomatic developments in Oman and may pause further strikes temporarily, depending on Iran’s next move.

Regional Stakes: War or Diplomatic Breakthrough?

The renewed focus on diplomacy comes amid intense global concern over the potential for full-scale war. A successful deal could stabilize much of the Middle East, bring sanctions relief to Iran, and prevent a dangerous nuclear arms race.

However, failure could spark a tit-for-tat escalation involving Israel, Iran, U.S. regional assets, and Iran’s proxy groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.

The coming days particularly Sunday’s negotiations may prove pivotal in deciding whether the region steps back from the brink, or plunges into deeper conflict.