Israel To Spare Energy Sites After Gas Strikes Trigger Market Shock; Iran Warns Of ‘Zero Restraint’

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

JERUSALEM/TEHRAN (Worthy News) – Israel signaled Thursday it would refrain from further attacks on energy infrastructure after a strike on Iran’s vast South Pars natural gas field triggered retaliatory strikes across the Middle East, sending oil and natural gas prices sharply higher and raising fears of a wider regional escalation.

The developments prompted a rare public rebuke from U.S. President Donald J. Trump, while Iran warned it would show “zero restraint” if such sites are targeted again, fueling concerns about what officials described as a potential “doomsday scenario” for global energy markets.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a press conference that Israel had acted independently in carrying out the strike. “Israel acted alone,” he said, despite earlier indications that Washington had been informed in advance.

Netanyahu added that Israeli forces would support U.S. efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route, and suggested the conflict could end “faster than people think,” remarks seen as an attempt to calm markets.

Global energy markets reacted sharply, with oil prices rising to $120 per barrel at one point, while gas prices surged and stock markets fell amid fears of inflation and slowing economic growth.

MARKETS RATTLED BY ENERGY ESCALATION

The escalation — with both sides targeting energy infrastructure — has heightened fears the conflict could draw in Gulf and European powers and further disrupt supplies, as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is already affected.

Iran responded with a stark warning, saying it would show “zero restraint” if its energy infrastructure is targeted again.

Officials said retaliatory strikes had already affected energy facilities across the region, including major liquefied natural gas infrastructure in Qatar, where significant damage could impact global supplies for years.

Iranian strikes also reportedly hit or threatened facilities in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, underscoring the vulnerability of the region’s energy network.

Analysts warned that continued attacks on oil and natural gas infrastructure risk triggering prolonged supply disruptions and further price shocks worldwide.

CASUALTIES MOUNT AS WAR ENTERS THIRD WEEK

As the conflict entered its third week, casualty figures continued to rise sharply. Estimates suggest that more than 2,000 people have been killed across the region since late February, including over 1,300 in Iran, nearly 1,000 in Lebanon, and at least a dozen in Israel, along with U.S. military losses.

The figures remain difficult to verify independently, and officials caution that the true toll could be higher as fighting continues across multiple fronts.

Separately, a U.S. F-35 fighter jet was forced to make an emergency landing after being damaged during operations, with the pilot reported in stable condition, officials said.

The Pentagon has also reportedly requested an additional $200 billion from Congress, signaling expectations of a prolonged campaign, even as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth insisted operations remained “on plan.”

GLOBAL POWERS WARN OF BROADER CONFLICT

However, the request faces resistance in a divided U.S. Congress, with lawmakers demanding clearer objectives and an exit strategy.

Global powers, including European nations and Japan, have called for de-escalation, warning the impact of continued strikes on energy infrastructure could be felt worldwide.

Officials warned of risks ranging from prolonged energy shocks to economic instability and potential migration pressures if the conflict continues to expand.

Despite efforts to contain the crisis, analysts say the targeting of critical natural gas and oil infrastructure risks widening the conflict beyond the immediate region.

Latest Worthy News