In a significant escalation of hostilities, Israel has reportedly launched airstrikes on Iran’s South Pars gas field, the world’s largest natural gas reserve, located in the Persian Gulf and shared with Qatar. According to IRGC-affiliated media and posts on X, the attacks targeted critical infrastructure in Phase 14 of the South Pars field in Bushehr Province, causing fires and prompting an immediate response from Iranian forces. This article details the Israeli strikes, Iran’s retaliatory actions, and the key operators involved in the South Pars field, shedding light on the broader implications for global energy markets.
Israeli Airstrikes: Scope and Impact
On June 14, 2025, IRGC-linked outlets, including Fars News Agency, reported that Israeli airstrikes hit Phase 14 of the South Pars gas field in Kangan County, Bushehr Province. Witnesses described small drones igniting parts of the facility, with firefighting teams dispatched to control the blaze. The strikes also targeted the nearby Kangan port, disrupting Iran’s energy infrastructure further. While specific damage assessments remain limited, the attack on South Pars marks a bold move against Iran’s economic backbone.
The South Pars strikes are part of a larger Israeli military campaign, “Operation Rising Lion,” launched on June 13, 2025. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that over 200 fighter jets struck more than 150 targets and 400 components across Iran, including nuclear facilities, missile sites, and military leadership. Key targets included the Natanz nuclear enrichment site, the Parchin military base, and a jet fighter hangar at Mehrabad airport. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the strikes have delayed Iran’s nuclear program “by years,” vowing to continue targeting the “Ayatollahs’ regime.”
Casualty figures from the initial strikes on June 13 indicate at least 78 deaths and over 320 injuries, including high-ranking IRGC officials like Major General Hossein Salami, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, and Amir Ali Hajizadeh. The South Pars attack’s toll remains unclear, but the strategic targeting of energy infrastructure underscores Israel’s intent to cripple Iran’s economic and military capabilities.
Iranian sources: Israel attacked a car engine manufacturing plant called Zagros in the city of Boroujerd in western Iran. pic.twitter.com/mGNe1RX6YX
— Riya Singh (@RiyaSpda) June 14, 2025
Iran’s Retaliation Against Israel
Iran responded swiftly to the Israeli offensive with multiple missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory. On June 13, 2025, Iran launched dozens of ballistic missiles targeting Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and other cities. A second wave followed, with a missile striking a high-rise in Tel Aviv, killing three and injuring up to 70. Another hit near Rishon Lezion, south of Tel Aviv, killing one and injuring over 20. Iranian state media framed the attacks as retaliation for Israel’s “act of war” against its nuclear and energy facilities.
Despite Israel’s Iron Dome and U.S.-provided Patriot and THAAD systems intercepting some missiles, significant damage was reported. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian warned of harsher responses if Israel continues its aggression, while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the strikes as a “crime,” promising a “painful fate” for Israel. Iran has also halted nuclear talks with the U.S., citing Israel’s actions as a violation of sovereignty.
Operators in the South Pars Gas Field
The South Pars gas field, a cornerstone of Iran’s energy sector, is managed by the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC). Phase 14, the target of the recent strikes, is one of the field’s most critical segments, contributing significantly to Iran’s natural gas output. Key operators and contractors include:
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Petropars: A leading NIOC subsidiary overseeing development and production in Phase 14.
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Iranian Offshore Engineering and Construction Company (IOEC): Handles offshore platform construction and installation.
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Industrial Development and Renovation Organization (IDRO): Supplies equipment and manages project logistics.
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Mapna Group: Provides engineering and technical services for gas processing facilities.
International involvement has been curtailed by sanctions, but companies like TotalEnergies (France) and CNPC (China) were previously active in other phases. Phase 14 relies heavily on Iranian firms, reflecting efforts toward self-reliance. The National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company claimed that South Pars operations continued despite the strikes, though production impacts remain uncertain.
Broader Implications and Global Response
The targeting of South Pars has sent shockwaves through global energy markets, with oil prices spiking 7% on June 13, 2025, amid fears of supply disruptions. South Pars is vital for Iran’s gas exports and domestic energy needs, and prolonged damage could exacerbate price volatility. The IAEA called for restraint, warning that attacks on nuclear and energy infrastructure risk catastrophic consequences. U.S. President Donald Trump, while denying direct involvement, urged Iran to negotiate a nuclear deal to halt Israel’s campaign. Germany expressed concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions threatening regional stability, including Saudi Arabia.
Conclusion
Israel’s airstrikes on Iran’s South Pars gas field and other strategic sites have intensified the Israel-Iran conflict, with Iran’s missile retaliation signaling a readiness to escalate further. The involvement of operators like Petropars and IOEC underscores the economic stakes, as damage to South Pars could disrupt Iran’s energy sector and global markets. As both sides brace for potential further strikes, the international community faces the challenge of containing a conflict with far-reaching consequences.
Energy News Beat will provide ongoing updates as the situation evolves.
*Sources: Compiled from X posts and web reports by Reuters, The Guardian, CBS News, ABC News, and others.*post:0-7web:0-24
Note: Damage and casualty figures are preliminary and may evolve. Operator information is based on public data, and the full impact on South Pars production remains under assessment.
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