Iran vows to attack Gulf energy centres after U.S.-Israel strike on its gas field

Iran has issued threats to attack Gulf energy facilities following an Israeli strike on its offshore gas field. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has declared that oil and gas infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE are now "legitimate targets for Iranian retaliation." This escalation comes in the wake of Israel's military action that resulted in the death of Iran’s Intelligence Minister. A spokesman for the Qatari foreign ministry condemned the Israeli attack as a "dangerous, irresponsible step." In Lebanon, Israeli air strikes have intensified, particularly targeting Beirut's southern suburbs and the city of Baalbek. Reports indicate that these strikes have caused significant destruction, flattening buildings and resulting in casualties. Earlier attacks on apartment buildings in the Zuqaq al-Blat and Al-Basta areas led to at least six deaths and 24 injuries, according to Lebanese authorities. Additionally, a loud explosion was reported in central Beirut following an Israeli strike on a building in the Bachoura neighborhood, which occurred shortly after an evacuation order was issued by the Israeli military. The Israeli military is conducting ground operations in southern Lebanon, focusing on key locations to expand its forward defense zones amid ongoing hostilities with Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese group. The situation has prompted the UN refugee agency to declare a "major humanitarian emergency" in West Asia, highlighting the precarious humanitarian conditions resulting from the escalating conflict and military actions in the region.