Israel says South Pars attack “Washington approved”, Trump denies; Iran retaliates

A sharp escalation in Middle East tensions has unfolded after Israel targeted Iran’s massive South Pars gas field, triggering retaliatory missile strikes by Tehran on Qatar’s key energy infrastructure.

Iran launched missiles at Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar, home to the world’s largest liquefied natural gas export terminal, causing what Qatari officials described as extensive damage. The attack came in direct response to Israel’s strike on the South Pars field, one of the most critical components of Iran’s energy sector.

Amid growing speculation about US involvement, former US President Donald Trump rejected claims that Washington had prior knowledge of, or approved, the Israeli operation. Reports had suggested the strike may have been coordinated with the United States, but Trump pushed back strongly against that narrative.

“The United States knew nothing about this particular attack,” Trump said in a social media post, adding that Qatar was also not informed in advance and played no role in the escalation.

At the same time, Trump issued a stark warning to Tehran. He said that if Iran continues targeting Qatari energy facilities, the US would respond with overwhelming force, including the potential destruction of the South Pars gas field itself.

While urging Israel to halt further attacks on the site, Trump signaled that any additional Iranian strikes on Qatar would dramatically widen the conflict.