DOHA — Iranian forces targeted Qatar's North Field gas processing complex in coordinated strikes early Thursday, escalating regional energy warfare after Israel damaged Iran's South Pars facility in what Tehran called an act of economic sabotage.

Qatar's state energy company QatarEnergy confirmed disruptions to operations at multiple facilities but reported no casualties among personnel. The attacks represent Iran's first direct military action against Gulf Cooperation Council infrastructure since tensions with Israel intensified over nuclear negotiations.

"This represents a calculated Iranian response designed to demonstrate Tehran's ability to disrupt global energy supplies," said Dr. Sarah Mitchell, Middle East energy analyst at the Royal Institute of International Affairs. The North Field contains the world's largest natural gas reserves and supplies nearly 20 percent of global LNG exports through Qatar's massive liquefaction plants.

Energy markets reacted immediately with natural gas futures jumping 12 percent in European trading while Brent crude climbed above $95 per barrel. "Iran has effectively weaponized Gulf energy infrastructure," warned James Crawford, former US Defense Intelligence Agency analyst specializing in Persian Gulf security. The strikes occurred as Qatar prepares to host emergency GCC meetings on regional stability, with member states increasingly concerned about Iran's expanding influence across energy corridors that fund their economies.