Iranian missile attacks target Qatar’s key LNG hub and UAE gas facilities, escalating regional tensions and threatening global energy supplies.
QATAR: QatarEnergy reported extensive damage at its core Ras Laffan LNG processing hub following Iranian missile attacks. The assault prompted Qatar to expel Iranian military attaches.
The United Arab Emirates also shut down gas facilities after intercepting missiles early on Thursday. These strikes followed Iranian evacuation warnings for oil facilities across Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar.
QatarEnergy, the world’s second-largest LNG exporter, deployed emergency teams to contain fires. No casualties were reported and all personnel were accounted for.
Qatar’s interior ministry stated the fire was preliminarily brought under control. The Ras Laffan hub is located 80 km north of Doha.
In the UAE, authorities responded to incidents at the Habshan gas complex and Bab oil field caused by falling debris. The Abu Dhabi Media Office confirmed the gas facilities were shut down with no injuries.
The Habshan complex, operated by ADNOC, is one of the world’s largest gas processing facilities. It has a total capacity of 6.1 billion standard cubic feet per day.
Qatar’s foreign ministry declared Iran’s security and military attaches “persona non grata”. They were ordered to leave the country within 24 hours.
The ministry condemned the attack as a “direct threat” to national security. It accused Iran of taking an “irresponsible approach.”
Analyst Saul Kavonic said attacks on Ras Laffan could cause a lasting global gas shortage. He noted this would not pressure the US administration as America benefits from high gas prices.
The attacks are Iran’s retaliation for strikes on its own energy infrastructure in South Pars and Asaluyeh. The Laffan refinery primarily processes condensate into products like aviation fuel.
