Targeting of energy facilities turned Iran war into worst-case scenario for Gulf states

Iran has responded in kind to attacks on its energy infrastructure. With the energy assets of Gulf states now in play for Tehran, regional chaos grows by the hour.

By: Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, Rice University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: March 19, 2026

Words: 1,475

Last Updated: 1 day, 16 hours ago

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By Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, Rice University

The U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran took a dangerous turn on March 18, 2026, with tit-for-tat strikes on critical energy infrastructure that amount to the most serious regional escalation since the conflict began.

First, an Israeli drone strike targeted facilities at Iran’s Asaluyeh complex, damaging four plants that treat gas from the offshore South Pars field, which straddles the maritime boundary between Iran and Qatar.

Tehran …

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