DOHA — Iranian officials issued stark warnings of retaliation against Gulf energy facilities after Israel launched strikes on the South Pars offshore gas field, one of the world's largest natural gas reserves shared between Iran and Qatar.

The attack represents a significant escalation in the shadow war between Israel and Iran, with Tehran now threatening to expand the conflict beyond its borders. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps indicated that Gulf energy infrastructure could become legitimate targets if attacks on Iranian facilities continue.

"This dangerous and irresponsible step by the Israeli regime crosses red lines and threatens the energy security of the entire region," said Dr. Mansour Al-Thani, Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman, in a statement released Tuesday evening. Qatar operates the North Field, which shares the same geological formation as Iran's South Pars.

Regional energy markets reacted nervously to the escalating tensions, with Brent crude futures climbing 3.2% in Asian trading. "Any disruption to Gulf energy supplies would have catastrophic consequences for global markets," warned James Mitchell, senior analyst at London-based Petro-Strategic Research. The South Pars field produces approximately 700 million cubic meters of gas daily, representing nearly 40% of Iran's total gas output.