Iran strikes Ras Laffan — Qatar's main LNG facility ablaze, 'extensive damage' confirmed as Gulf energy war intensifies
Fire breaks out at world largest LNG complex after Iranian missile strike; QatarEnergy confirms damage
Iran carried out its threatened Gulf energy retaliation by striking Ras Laffan Industrial City — Qatar's main gas and LNG production hub and the world's largest LNG complex — on Day 19. QatarEnergy confirmed 'extensive damage' and a fire. Qatar's Civil Defense responded. Two ballistic missiles were intercepted but damage still resulted. Qatar condemned the strike as 'brazen aggression' and a 'flagrant violation of sovereignty', invoked its right to self-defence, and called for UN Security Council action. The complex had been evacuated earlier after Iran issued evacuation warnings for five named Gulf energy targets.
Key facts
- •Iran struck Ras Laffan — world largest LNG complex handling ~25% of global LNG supply
- •QatarEnergy confirmed 'extensive damage' and fire at the facility
- •Qatar Civil Defense responding to blaze following Iranian targeting — Qatar Interior Ministry
- •2 ballistic missiles intercepted by Qatar air defenses but facility still hit
- •Complex had been evacuated Wednesday after Iran issued evacuation warnings for 5 Gulf targets
- •Qatar condemned attack as 'brazen aggression', invoked right to self-defense, called for UN UNSC action
- •Strike follows South Pars attack (US-Israel coordinated) which triggered Iranian retaliation threats
Timeline
US-Israel strike on South Pars/Asaluyeh — Iran confirms energy facilities hit
IRGC names Ras Laffan, SAMREF, Jubail, Al Hosn, Mesaieed — evacuation orders issued
Iran strikes Ras Laffan — fire breaks out, QatarEnergy: 'extensive damage'