President Donald Trump warned that the United States would respond with force if Iran carries out additional attacks on Qatar, saying a potential strike could target the South Pars gas field, one of the world’s most critical energy sites.
Trump made the remarks on social media after Iranian missiles struck Qatar, escalating tensions across the region and raising concerns about global energy markets. The South Pars field is jointly shared by Iran and Qatar and is considered the largest natural gas field in the world, ET Now reported.
The latest developments come as the conflict between Iran and a U.S.-backed Israeli effort intensifies. A source familiar with the situation said the United States was aware of an Israeli strike on the South Pars facility but did not directly participate.
Qatari officials said a ballistic missile hit a key natural gas site, causing significant damage. Authorities also reported the expulsion of some Iranian embassy staff following the incident.
The conflict has already begun to impact global energy prices, with oil rising roughly 5% to more than $108 per barrel. Analysts warn that continued instability in the region could further strain the global economy.
Since the conflict began on Feb. 28, Iran has targeted energy infrastructure across the Persian Gulf and disrupted shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil transport.
Casualties have mounted across multiple countries. Reports indicate at least 1,300 deaths in Iran, more than 960 in Lebanon, and 14 in Israel. The U.S. military has confirmed 13 service member deaths and approximately 200 injuries.
Israel has warned of additional Iranian missile strikes, while Bahrain has issued alerts to its citizens. Trump emphasized that Qatar was not involved in Israeli actions against Iran, calling Iran’s attack on Qatar unjustified.
International leaders also weighed in. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned Iran’s strikes, citing concerns over attacks on civilian infrastructure.
QatarEnergy said firefighting operations are ongoing following additional damage to liquefied natural gas facilities, though no casualties have been reported.
A summit of Gulf Arab nations concluded with a joint statement condemning Iran’s use of ballistic missiles and drones against civilian targets and calling for an immediate halt to the attacks.
The Soufan Center, a New York-based think tank, described the strike on the South Pars field as a major escalation with long-term economic consequences for the region. And additional incidents have underscored the widening scope of the conflict.
British officials reported an attack on a vessel off the coast of the United Arab Emirates that caused a fire onboard. Meanwhile, a U.S. Senate measure related to the Iran conflict failed to advance.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister said trust in Iran has been “shattered,” while the United Arab Emirates condemned the strikes as a dangerous escalation and shut down certain gas operations as a precaution.
Former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent said internal disagreements over the Iran conflict were not fully communicated to Trump, raising questions about decision-making processes.
Amid the escalating tensions overseas, security has been heightened in the United States, particularly in Palm Beach, Florida, where Trump maintains a residence at Mar-a-Lago, WPTV reported.
Local officials confirmed that South Ocean Boulevard near Mar-a-Lago has been closed to through traffic until further notice, citing public safety concerns. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said the measures were coordinated with the U.S. Secret Service.
“Our security posture remains fluid and is continuously evaluated based on the requirements of the protective mission and the current threat environment,” the sheriff’s office said.
Former Secret Service agent Tim Miller said increased security is expected given the current global climate. “You’re going to see proportionate increases in security at other places, too,” Miller said.
Authorities have increased law enforcement presence at several locations in the area, including religious and community centers. Officials say the measures are precautionary amid concerns about potential threats tied to the broader conflict.