Israel Claims Iran Weakened as Gulf Energy Facilities Come Under Attack

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Iran’s military strength has been significantly weakened, even as fresh attacks on major oil and gas installations across the Gulf deepen concerns over a widening regional conflict.

Speaking at a press conference in Jerusalem on March 19, 2026, Netanyahu expressed confidence in Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Iran, declaring that Tehran’s strategic capacity had been severely reduced.

“We are winning and Iran is being decimated,” he said, adding that the conflict could end sooner than many expect, though he gave no clear timeline.

Netanyahu also cast doubt on the stability of Iran’s leadership, suggesting uncertainty at the highest levels of power. He pointed to signs of internal strain, both within Iran’s command structure and on the battlefield.

The conflict, which began on February 28, 2026, has drawn in the United States alongside Israel, raising fears of a prolonged war with global economic implications.

Tensions escalated further after Iran launched strikes on critical energy infrastructure across the Gulf. Targets included the Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas facility in Qatar, as well as oil refineries in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

QatarEnergy reported extensive damage to the Ras Laffan facility, warning of potential annual losses of up to $20 billion, with repairs likely to take several years. In Saudi Arabia, a drone attack hit the Samref refinery in Yanbu, while in Kuwait, fires broke out at the Mina Abdullah and Mina Al-Ahmadi refineries following similar strikes.

Israel has also faced retaliatory attacks, with an oil refinery in the northern city of Haifa hit, sending thick smoke into the air.

The impact on global markets has been immediate. Concerns over Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz—a vital route for global oil shipments—have driven volatility, with Brent crude prices briefly surging before easing, while gas prices in Europe also jumped sharply.

In Lebanon, the conflict has taken a heavy toll, with over 1,000 people reported killed in Israeli airstrikes across several مناطق, including parts of Beirut. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has renewed calls for a ceasefire and urged negotiations between Israel and Hezbollah.

International concern continues to mount. European Union leaders have called for a temporary halt to attacks on critical infrastructure and warned of possible large-scale migration if the crisis worsens.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington remains closely aligned with Israel but indicated there is no fixed deadline for ending the war. He also warned Iran against further escalation, while noting that there are currently no plans to deploy American ground troops.

Iranian officials have responded with strong warnings, threatening severe retaliation if attacks continue. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran would show “zero restraint” in future responses.

Global powers, including the UK, France, Germany, Japan, and others, have pledged to help secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, though some say coordinated action will depend on progress toward a ceasefire.

With no clear end in sight, the conflict continues to raise fears of broader regional instability and further disruption to global energy supplies.