geopolitical conflict in West Asia has now reached a very dangerous juncture. Tehran has adopted a very tough stance amidst reports of US President Donald Trump targeting Iran’s energy and infrastructure. Iran has made it clear that it will not remain silent if the US launches any major attack on its energy plants. In response to this, Iran has released a comprehensive list of the world’s largest oil and gas installations located in several Gulf countries of West Asia, which could be destroyed in case of a US attack.
Iranian media claims major oil fields from Saudi Arabia to UAE are under attack
According to a report by the Iranian news agency Tasnim, Tehran has prepared a comprehensive strategy to respond to US aggression. The list of potential targets released by Iran includes Saudi Arabia’s crucial Gharawar oil field, as well as major installations like Abqaiq and Khurais. The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) massive Zakum oil field and Ruwais refinery are also on this list. It is noteworthy that this field produces approximately one million barrels of oil per day and exports a large amount of energy to global markets.
Qatar, Kuwait and Israel’s gas plants are also on Iran’s radar.
Apart from Saudi Arabia and UAE, Iran has also included energy installations of Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Israel in its warning. Qatar’s North Gas Field and Ras Laffan, one of the world’s largest natural gas reserves, which handle about 20 percent of the global LNG trade, have been said to be targeted. Along with this, Kuwait’s Burgan oil field, Bahrain’s Sitrah and Al Mihaj refineries and Israel’s Leviathan and Tamar gas fields have also been included in the list of potential targets. Tehran has made it clear that any negligence or audacity by America will be met with a strong and equal response.
Donald Trump’s new strategy and Iran’s counterattack
This tension escalated further when media reports claimed that US President Donald Trump was considering targeting Iran’s power plants to weaken it economically and strategically. Although no such final strike orders have been issued yet, the mere consideration of this option by the US has alarmed Gulf countries. Previously, Iran has used its light drones and missile capabilities to send a strong message to US allies in the Gulf region to counter potential military pressure from the US and Israel. Now, with the release of this new target list, the threat of war across West Asia has deepened.