AKIPRESS.COM - In a major escalation, Iranian forces launched missile and drone attacks targeting the world’s most critical energy hubs.

A missile strike caused "significant damage" to Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, a complex responsible for nearly 20% of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies. While QatarEnergy reported no casualties and contained the resulting fires, the facility had already been evacuated following Iranian threats. Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia intercepted eight ballistic missiles over Riyadh and six drones targeting Eastern Province gas facilities, with falling debris injuring four people and damaging a refinery.

In response, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan declared that the Kingdom reserves the right to take military action to defend its economic resources. The conflict has further spread to the UAE, where an unidentified projectile struck a vessel in the Gulf of Oman and falling debris forced the suspension of gas production at the major Habshan complex.

Following these strategic strikes on the world's primary energy nodes, global oil prices surged to $110 per barrel, reflecting deep market fears over prolonged supply disruptions in the Persian Gulf.