Egypt Daily News – In a major escalation of the ongoing conflict, Iranian media have reported a fire at the South Pars gas field following Israeli airstrikes. Located in Kangan Port in Iran’s southern Bushehr province, the South Pars field is considered a cornerstone of the Iranian economy. According to the semi-official Fars News Agency, “the Zionist entity targeted vital infrastructure within the field,” highlighting the strategic implications of the attack on one of Iran’s most critical economic assets.
Israel’s national broadcaster later quoted an Israeli official confirming that “another Iranian gas field was targeted after Bushehr,” adding that national infrastructure remains on the list of potential targets. The broadcaster noted that the Bushehr gas field was struck by an unmanned drone, intended as a message to Iran that similar assets are vulnerable.
A Blow to Iran’s Economic Lifeline
Iran’s natural gas sector is a key pillar of its economy, especially under the weight of U.S. sanctions that have severely restricted its oil exports since 2018. Despite possessing the world’s second-largest proven natural gas reserves, over 33.7 trillion cubic meters, or about 17% of global reserves Iran contributes only about 5% to global production, largely due to sanctions and underinvestment, according to data from the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC).
South Pars: Iran’s Energy Crown Jewel
South Pars is the largest natural gas field in the world, shared with Qatar (where it’s known as the North Field). Spanning roughly 9,700 square kilometers, with 3,700 km² in Iranian territorial waters, it holds nearly two-thirds of Iran’s total gas reserves. Discovered in 1971 and operational since 1989, the field has been central to Iran’s efforts to maintain gas exports, often through pipelines and clandestine shipping operations that circumvent sanctions.
Strategic and Economic Implications
The attack represents not only a dramatic military escalation but also a direct hit to Iran’s economic backbone. As the country increasingly relies on gas revenue to offset the drop in oil exports, any disruption in this sector could have profound consequences economically, politically, and socially.
Domestically, damage to South Pars could disrupt energy supply and public services. Internationally, it undermines Iran’s role as a regional energy provider. The strike sends a clear signal: Israel is willing to target the economic infrastructure underpinning Iran’s geopolitical leverage.
With tensions at a boiling point and vital assets now under direct threat, the conflict between Iran and Israel appears to be entering a new and far more dangerous phase.
