Partial Shutdown at Iran’s South Pars Gas Field After Israeli Airstrikes

Flames and smoke rise from Iran’s South Pars gas field following Israeli airstrikes, disrupting gas output by over 12 million cubic meters per day.

Iran has announced a partial shutdown at the South Pars gas field, the world’s largest natural gas reservoir, following targeted Israeli airstrikes that ignited a fire and caused significant operational disruptions. The incident occurred during Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure launched in the early hours of June 14.

Iranian officials confirmed that several offshore and onshore installations within the South Pars complex sustained damage during the bombardment. At least three critical gas separation units were reportedly affected, leading to the temporary suspension of approximately 12 million cubic meters of daily gas production. Emergency teams were dispatched immediately to contain the fire and prevent further leakage or damage.

Footage aired by Iranian state TV showed thick plumes of smoke rising from the affected section of the plant, with fire brigades working around the clock. Authorities emphasized that the majority of operations remain intact, but the full scale of the impact is still being assessed. The South Pars field accounts for around 40% of Iran’s total gas output and is shared with Qatar, where it is known as the North Field.

Mohammad Owji, Iran’s Oil Minister, stated that while the situation is “under control,” any further attacks could severely damage not only Iran’s energy sector but also impact regional and global energy markets. “This was a direct hit on our economic backbone. We are evaluating both the technical losses and the strategic consequences,” Owji said during a press briefing.

The announcement of the shutdown sent shockwaves through international energy markets. Brent crude oil prices surged by 4.7% within hours of the news, while natural gas futures in European markets also climbed steeply due to fears of prolonged supply disruptions. Economists warned that continued instability in the Persian Gulf could drive energy prices even higher, especially if the Strait of Hormuz — a critical chokepoint for oil transit — is threatened.

International observers and analysts are now closely monitoring the potential for a broader impact. Given that the South Pars gas field is central not only to Iran’s domestic energy grid but also to its export capacity, prolonged disruption could weaken Iran's economy at a time of already elevated inflation and sanctions pressure.

The Israeli government has not officially commented on targeting South Pars specifically, but military sources stated that all actions taken were “strategically calibrated” to degrade Iran’s ability to fund and operate regional militias. Iranian media, however, described the strike as an act of “economic terrorism” and warned that retaliation will extend beyond military channels to include cyber and energy-based responses.

As tensions between the two nations escalate, the South Pars incident underscores the vulnerability of key energy infrastructures in modern warfare, particularly when geopolitical conflict intersects with critical resource control.