The conflict in the Middle East entered a critical phase on Thursday, marked by a military first for Europe and direct attacks on the global energy infrastructure. As the price of oil jumped to 116 dollars, European leaders are desperately pressuring in Brussels for a ceasefire between the US and Iran.
Military first: Greeks intercept Iranian ballistic missiles
The Patriot air defense system, operated by Greek military in Saudi Arabia, intercepted on Thursday two ballistic missiles launched by Iran. This is the first direct intervention of the Greek forces since their deployment in the kingdom in 2021. The missiles targeted Saudi oil refineries, including the strategic terminal at the Red Sea, Yanbu.
Threats after the attack on South Pars, the energy heart of Iran
Israel hit the South Pars field in Iran, the world’s largest natural gas reservoir, in a coordinated action with the US, although President Trump initially denied involvement. Three Israeli officials contradicted American President Donald Trump on Thursday, who had claimed he knew nothing about Israel’s Wednesday attack. On condition of anonymity, the Israelis told Reuters that the operation was coordinated with the United States.
Iran retaliated harshly, hitting the Ras Laffan terminal in Qatar, causing “significant damage”. Also, Iranian drones and missiles targeted refineries in Kuwait (Mina Al-Ahmadi) and facilities in the United Arab Emirates.
Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, issued a brutal warning on platform X, stating that the partial destruction of the Ras Laffan energy complex in Qatar was achieved using only a “fraction” of Iran’s military force. Araghchi emphasized that the only reason Tehran has not hit harder so far was respect for de-escalation requests, but warned there will be “zero restraint” if Iranian infrastructure is targeted again by Israeli or American aviation. Moreover, the official from Tehran conditions any future peace agreement on the payment of compensation for the damages caused to Iranian civil sites.
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