Iran strikes Ras Laffan — Qatar's main LNG facility hit, fire breaks out, QatarEnergy confirms 'extensive damage'

Iran struck Ras Laffan Industrial City on March 18, 2026, causing a fire at Qatar's main natural gas production and LNG export hub. Qatar's Civil Defense confirmed it was responding to a fire at Ras Laffan following 'Iranian targeting', according to Qatar's Interior Ministry. QatarEnergy, the state-owned petroleum company, confirmed in a statement that the facility was struck and that 'extensive damage has been caused'. The company stated no casualties were reported and all personnel are accounted for — the complex had been evacuated earlier on Wednesday after Iran issued evacuation orders for Gulf energy facilities in retaliation for the South Pars strike. Qatar's Defense Ministry said two ballistic missiles were intercepted attempting to target Ras Laffan, but damage and fire still resulted — likely from missile debris or additional weapons not reported. Qatar strongly condemned the attack as 'brazen' and called it 'a dangerous escalation and a flagrant violation of the state's sovereignty, as well as a direct threat to its national security and the stability of the region.' The Foreign Ministry said Qatar 'will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and security' and maintained its right to self-defense under international law. Qatar also urged the UN Security Council to 'take the necessary measures to halt these serious violations and deter their perpetrators.' Ras Laffan Industrial City is the world's largest LNG production complex, handling approximately 77 million tonnes of LNG per year — around 25% of global LNG supply. Qatar is the world's largest LNG exporter. A sustained disruption to Ras Laffan would have catastrophic impacts on global gas markets, particularly for European and Asian importers heavily dependent on Qatari LNG.