politics
March 18, 2026
Israel strikes Iran's South Pars gas field hours after forces kill intelligence minister
Death confirmed of Esmail Khatib, the third senior Iranian figure killed in 24 hours, as Israel also launches intense airstrikes on Lebanon
TL;DR
- Israel struck Iran's South Pars gas field, the world's largest natural gas field, shared with Qatar.
- Iran's intelligence minister, Esmail Khatib, was killed by Israel, becoming the third senior Iranian figure assassinated in 24 hours.
- Israel launched intense airstrikes on Beirut, destroying buildings and bombing bridges over the Litani River in Lebanon.
- The US National Counterterrorism Center director resigned, and the US national intelligence director stated Iran has not rebuilt its uranium enrichment program since June 2025 strikes.
- The Trump administration reportedly approved the strike on South Pars, with a US defense official confirming coordination.
- Regional nations like Qatar and the UAE condemned the attack on the gas field as a dangerous escalation threatening global energy security and the environment.
- Iran threatened to target energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar within hours.
- Oil prices climbed as fears of supply disruption grew due to threats to Gulf energy infrastructure and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
- President Trump suggested the US could 'finish off' Iran and leave the Strait of Hormuz security to allied nations.
- The conflict is in its third week with thousands killed, and the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed.
- Hezbollah announced rocket launches at Israel and claimed to be holding strong in southern Lebanon.
- Iran appears capable of launching targeted attacks, with two Israelis killed by cluster munitions and two Palestinian women killed by an Iranian missile near Hebron.
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