Donald Trump has warned the US will “massively blow up” a key Iranian natural gas field if Tehran continues to attack “very innocent” Qatar.
In a furious Truth Social post, Mr Trump warned that any further attacks on Qatar’s Ras Laffan gas fields would draw a retaliation against Iran’s South Pars Gas Field “at an amount of strength and power that Iran has never seen or witnessed before”.
Ras Laffan was hit for a second time on Thursday morning shortly before Mr Trump’s warning. On Wednesday, Iran fired five ballistic missiles at Qatar – four were intercepted, but the fifth struck the facility, causing a fire.
The attack on the world's largest liquified natural gas facility caused oil prices to climb to $112 a barrel in early trading on Thursday morning, as the UAE suspended operations at another facility.
Meanwhile, the US Defense Department will seek more than $200bn from Congress to continue funding the war in Iran, according to a new Washington Post report.
Read MoreHow fire ripped through Trump’s biggest warship as it sails to Crete for repairs
Pentagon asks White House to approve $200B request to Congress for Iran war: report
Iran missile causes ‘extensive damage’ at Qatar energy hub in retaliatory strike
Even Joe Rogan is against Trump’s attacks on Iran: ‘It just seems so insane’
Key Points
- Trump warns US will 'massively blow up' Iran's South Pars if it continues attacks on Qatar
- Iran strikes Qatar's Ras Laffan energy complex again, causing fires
- Pentagon asks White House to approve $200B request to Congress for Iran war
- Trump says US and Qatar had no involvement in Israel's strike on Iran's South Pars gas field
- Oil prices hit $112 a barrel as Iran targets Gulf energy sites
Saudi Aramco-Exxon refinery SAMREF in Saudi Arabia's Yanbu targeted, source says
08:00 , Bryony GoochOil giant Saudi Aramco's SAMREF refinery in the Red Sea port of Yanbu was targeted in an aerial attack on Thursday, an industry source said, adding there was minimal impact, after other attacks on energy facilities in Qatar and the UAE in response to US-Israeli attacks on Iranian energy installations.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had issued an evacuation warning to several oil facilities across Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, including SAMREF, which is a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Exxon Mobil.
The warning followed a strike on Iran's South Pars gas field, a major escalation in the war with the United States and Israel.
Yanbu has been one of two major export outlets for any crude oil out of Gulf Arab countries since Iran effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz after the war erupted late last month. The strait, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, normally carries a fifth of the world's oil supply.
The other major export outlet is the United Arab Emirates' port of Fujairah, which has come under a series of attacks that suspended operations there. It was not immediately clear whether loadings were operational on Thursday.
Saudi Aramco did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.
Watch: Joe Kent claims Charlie Kirk warned him about Iran in final conversation
07:51 , Bryony GoochIran seeks compensation from UAE over US strikes on its territory, UN ambassador letter says
07:45 , Bryony GoochIran seeks compensation from the United Arab Emirates, accusing it of enabling US attacks against Iranian territory, Iran's UN ambassador told the UN Secretary General in a letter according to a Nournews report published on Thursday.
In the letter, Amir Saeid Iravani said the UAE’s decision to allow its territory to be used for the strikes constituted "an internationally wrongful act that entailed state responsibility."
Tehran said the UAE had an international responsibility to provide reparation, including compensation for all material and moral damages incurred.
Qatar's emir and Macron call for halt to strikes on energy infrastructure after Ras Laffan attack
07:30 , Stuti MishraQatar's emir and Emmanuel Macron have spoken by phone following Iranian missile strikes on the Ras Laffan Industrial City.
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the French president condemned the attack as "a dangerous escalation that threatens the security and stability of the region and undermines the security of global energy supplies," according to a readout of the call.
The emir said the continued targeting of vital facilities posed "a direct threat to regional and international stability" and called for international diplomatic efforts to prevent the crisis from widening.
Mr Macron also said he had spoken with US president Donald Trump following the strikes. "It is in our common interest to implement, without delay, a moratorium on strikes targeting civilian infrastructure, particularly energy and water supply facilities," he wrote on X.
I have just spoken with the Emir of Qatar and President Trump following the strikes that hit gas production facilities in Iran and Qatar today.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) March 18, 2026
It is in our common interest to implement, without delay, a moratorium on strikes targeting civilian infrastructure,…
Cost of Brent Crude Oil soars past $114
07:20 , Bryony Gooch Iran seeks compensation from UAE over US strikes launched from its territory
07:00 , Stuti MishraIran has demanded compensation from the United Arab Emirates, accusing it of allowing its territory to be used for US strikes against Iran, according to a letter from Iran's UN ambassador reported by Nournews a while ago.
In the letter to the UN secretary general, ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said the UAE's decision constituted "an internationally wrongful act that entailed state responsibility," and that the UAE had an international responsibility to provide "reparation, including compensation for all material and moral damages incurred."
Qatar says all fires at Ras Laffan gas hub contained after Iranian attack
06:40 , Stuti MishraQatar's Civil Defence has brought all fires under control at the Ras Laffan Industrial Area following Iranian strikes, the country's interior ministry said a while ago.
"Cooling and sites-securing operations are still ongoing," it added. No injuries were reported.
Iran executes three men arrested over January protests
06:20 , Stuti MishraIran has executed three men convicted of killing two police officers during protests in January, state media reported this morning. The sentences were carried out in the city of Qom after being upheld by the Supreme Court.
The judiciary said the men were found guilty of murder and "Moharebeh" — waging war against God — including acts it said were carried out in favour of Israel and the United States. Authorities said the three had used knives and other weapons during protests on 8 January.
Iranian officials have repeatedly accused foreign adversaries of involvement in the nationwide unrest, which was repressed in what authorities described as the biggest crackdown in the Islamic Republic's history.
Vessel hit by projectile off Qatar coast near Ras Laffan, UKMTO says
06:00 , Stuti MishraA vessel off the coast of Qatar has been struck by an unknown projectile near Ras Laffan, the UK Maritime Trade Operations centre said. All crew are reported safe.
The strike comes after Iranian missiles hit the Ras Laffan industrial complex, prompting Donald Trump to warn he would "massively blow up" Iran's South Pars gas field if attacks on the facility continued.
Earlier, UKMTO also reported a vessel off the north-east coast of the UAE, close to the Strait of Hormuz, had been hit by a projectile, causing a fire on board. No casualties were reported.
UKMTO WARNING 025-26
— UKMTO Operations Centre (@UK_MTO) March 19, 2026
Click here to read the full Warning⤵️https://t.co/DkFBhbw6sr#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/2QPThr1pNc
Trump’s former counterterrorism chief under FBI investigation
05:30 , Stuti MishraThe FBI has opened an investigation into Joe Kent, President Donald Trump’s former counterterrorism chief, who resigned from his post over opposition to the war in Iran, according to multiple news reports.
The bureau’s probe into Kent, who served as director of the National Counterterrorism Center, pertains to allegations that he mishandled classified information, four unnamed sources familiar with the matter told Semafor on Wednesday.
The investigation began before he left the administration, sources said, with one characterizing it as having gone on for months.
Read more:
Trump’s former counterterrorism chief Joe Kent under FBI investigation: reports
Trump expected to press Japan for help with Iran war in White House meeting
05:17 , Stuti MishraDonald Trump is expected to push Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi for support in the war on Iran when she visits the White House on Thursday, placing her in an awkward position as the conflict remains deeply unpopular at home.
Trump has lashed out at allies for their lukewarm backing of the US-Israeli campaign and is pushing for more ships to clear mines and escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Germany, Italy and Spain have already ruled out joining any Gulf mission.
Ms Takaichi told Japan's parliament on Monday that Tokyo had received no official request from Washington but was reviewing what was possible within the limits of its pacifist constitution. Japan also expects Mr Trump to ask it to produce or co-develop missiles to replace US munitions depleted by the wars in Iran and Ukraine, according to three Japanese government sources.
"She was hoping to be the last voice in the room that could influence the president's approach to his trip to China," said Chris Johnstone of the Asia Group consultancy. "Instead, she's going to be basically the first ally in the room responding to Trump's request for assistance in the Middle East."
Oil prices hit $112 a barrel as Iran targets Gulf energy sites
04:45 , Stuti MishraOil prices have climbed to $112 a barrel in early Asian trading today as Iran struck energy infrastructure across the Gulf in retaliation for Israeli strikes on its South Pars gas field.
Brent crude rose 4.27 per cent to $112, while US West Texas Intermediate climbed 2.73 per cent to $98.95.
Qatar confirmed Iranian missiles caused "extensive damage" around the Ras Laffan industrial complex, the world's largest liquefied natural gas facility. The UAE suspended operations at its Habshan gas facility after missile-related incidents, with debris from intercepted projectiles also affecting the Bab oil field. Saudi Arabia said air defences had destroyed 19 drones in the Eastern Province and four missiles launched toward Riyadh.
A vessel east of the Strait of Hormuz also caught fire after being struck by an unknown projectile, the UK's maritime security agency said.
The US is reportedly considering deploying additional military assets to the region to secure shipping through the strait.
Full story: Pentagon asks White House to approve $200B request to Congress for Iran war: report
04:30 , Stuti MishraThe Pentagon has asked the White House to approve a more than $200 billion funding request to Congress for the war in Iran, according to a new report.
It’s been nearly three weeks since the U.S, along with Israel, began launching strikes against Iran to “dismantle the Iranian regime’s security apparatus,” according to the U.S. military.
President Donald Trump has contentiously claimed Iran posed an “imminent” threat to Americans due to its “nuclear ambitions” and development of long-range missiles. But this fight is not free, and the cost of it will come out of the American taxpayers’ pockets.
Pentagon officials are seeking a more than $200 billion bump in defense spending to keep up with its military campaign against Iran, The Washington Post reported Wednesday, citing a senior Trump administration official.
Reed more:
Pentagon asks White House to approve $200B request to Congress for Iran war: report
Iran strikes Qatar's Ras Laffan energy complex again, causing fires
04:15 , Stuti MishraIran has struck Qatar's Ras Laffan energy complex for a second time, with Qatar's energy company confirming that gas facilities at the site were hit by rockets early this morning, causing fires and more significant damage. No injuries were reported, the state media reported.
The strike came before Donald Trump issued his warning today against further attacks on the facility.
QatarEnergy Statement on Missile Attacks on its LNG Facilities
— QatarEnergy (@qatarenergy) March 19, 2026
In addition to the previous attack on Ras Laffan Industrial City on Wednesday 18 March 2026 that resulted in extensive damage to the Pearl GTL (Gas-to-Liquids) facility, QatarEnergy confirms that in the early hours…
US Senate votes down effort to curb Trump's power over Iran war...again
04:00 , Rachel DobkinThe Republican-led US Senate voted down a Democrat effort to curb President Donald Trump's power over the Iran war again on Wednesday local time.
The Senate voted mostly along party lines against advancing a War Powers Resolution that would have prohibited Trump from launching further attacks against Iran without congressional approval.
This is the second time the Senate defeated a War Powers Resolution on the matter.
Trump says US and Qatar had no involvement in Israel's strike on Iran's South Pars gas field
03:45 , Stuti MishraPresident Donald Trump has said Israel carried out the attack on Iran's South Pars gas field without US or Qatari involvement.
"The United States knew nothing about this particular attack, and the country of Qatar was in no way, shape, or form, involved with it, nor did it have any idea that it was going to happen," Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Kuwait to close Grand Mosque for Eid al-Fitr
03:30 , Rachel DobkinKuwait’s Ministry of Information has announced that the Grand Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Kuwait’s capital, will be closed on Eid al-Fitr due to the “current circumstances” in the region, the Associated Press reported.
The holiday will take place between Thursday and Friday and mark the end of Ramadan. Ramadan is considered the most sacred time of year for the Muslim community, but this year it has been plagued by the Iran war.
Australia urges residents not to panic buy petrol
03:15 , Stuti MishraAustralian prime minister Anthony Albanese has urged residents to avoid panic buying petrol and diesel, saying a surge in demand had led to localised shortages in rural areas despite overall supply remaining stable.
"Our fuel supply is currently secure. However, I want us to be over-prepared," Mr Albanese told reporters on today. "My message to Australians is please do not take more fuel than you need. That is how you can help, that's the Australian way."
Fuel demand has doubled in some regions in recent days, Mr Albanese said, even as shipments continue to arrive as scheduled. The government has appointed Anthea Harris, former boss of the Australian Energy Regulator, as national fuel supply taskforce coordinator.
Australia's competition regulator has also launched an investigation into alleged anti-competitive conduct by major fuel suppliers including Ampol, BP's Australian unit, Mobil Oil Australia and Viva Energy's Shell-branded stations.
The Reserve Bank of Australia warned in its latest Financial Stability Review that the Iran war was a "material risk" to the Australian economy.
Trump official says Iran will not 'hold us hostage with energy blackmail'
03:00 , Rachel DobkinWhite House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has said Iran will not “hold us hostage with energy blackmail”.
“President Trump will not allow this regime, this bloodlusting regime, to hold us hostage with energy blackmail, missile blackmail or nuclear blackmail”, Miller told Fox News Wednesday night local time.
Gas prices have been surging as Iran has effectively closed off the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway in the Middle East that carries about a fifth of the world’s oil.
Trump called on his allies to send ships to escort tankers through the key waterway, but he was rebuffed.
WATCH: Saudi foreign minister says trust in Iran has been 'shattered'
02:45 , Rachel DobkinTrump warns US will 'massively blow up' Iran's South Pars if it continues attacks on Qatar
02:30 , Rachel DobkinPresident Donald Trump has warned that the US will “massively blow up” Iran's South Pars natural gas field if it continues attacks on Qatar’s Ras Laffan gas site.
Qatar’s Defence Ministry said Wednesday local time Iran fired five ballistic missiles at the country. Four of those missiles were intercepted, but the fifth struck Ras Laffan Industrial City, causing a fire.
The attack came after Israel reportedly hit Iran’s South Pars natural gas field.
In a raging Truth Social post Wednesday local time, Trump warned if Iran continues to attack Qatar’s gas site, the US “will massively blow up the entirety of the South Pars Gas Field at an amount of strength and power that Iran has never seen or witnessed before”.
Read Trump’s full post here:
“Israel, out of anger for what has taken place in the Middle East, has violently lashed out at a major facility known as South Pars Gas Field in Iran.
“A relatively small section of the whole has been hit. The United States knew nothing about this particular attack, and the country of Qatar was in no way, shape, or form, involved with it, nor did it have any idea that it was going to happen. Unfortunately, Iran did not know this, or any of the pertinent facts pertaining to the South Pars attack, and unjustifiably and unfairly attacked a portion of Qatar’s LNG Gas facility.
“NO MORE ATTACKS WILL BE MADE BY ISRAEL pertaining to this extremely important and valuable South Pars Field unless Iran unwisely decides to attack a very innocent, in this case, Qatar - In which instance the United States of America, with or without the help or consent of Israel, will massively blow up the entirety of the South Pars Gas Field at an amount of strength and power that Iran has never seen or witnessed before. I do not want to authorize this level of violence and destruction because of the long term implications that it will have on the future of Iran, but if Qatar’s LNG is again attacked, I will not hesitate to do so.
“Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP”.
UAE responds to targeting of gas facilities: 'Dangerous escalation'
02:00 , Rachel DobkinThe United Arab Emirates has said the targeting of its gas facilities is a “dangerous escalation,” per the Associated Press.
The Abu Dhabi media office announced early Wednesday morning the Habshan gas facilities and the Bab oil field were affected by “falling debris from the successful interception of missiles”.
“The gas facilities have been shut down and no injuries have been reported”, the media office wrote on X.
Qatar announces another attack on its Ras Laffan gas site
01:48 , Rachel DobkinQatar’s Ministry of Defence announced another attack on its Ras Laffan gas site early Thursday morning local time.
“The Qatari Ministry of Defense announces that the State of Qatar was subjected to a ballistic missile attack from Iran, targeting Ras Laffan Industrial City, resulting in damages”, a statement shared on X read.
The Defence Ministry said Wednesday Iran fired five ballistic missiles at Qatar. Four of those missiles were intercepted, but the fifth struck Ras Laffan Industrial City, causing a fire.
Trump’s former counterterrorism chief Joe Kent blames Israel for war with Iran and claims Tehran was not on verge of having nukes
01:30 , Brendan RasciusOne day after he resigned in protest of the Iran war, President Donald Trump’s former counterterrorism chief, Joe Kent, placed the blame for the conflict squarely on Israel and stated that Tehran was nowhere close to developing a nuclear weapon.
“The Israelis drove the decision to take this action, which we knew would set off a series of events, meaning the Iranians would retaliate,” Kent, who served as the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, told Tucker Carlson on Wednesday. The Israeli government “felt emboldened” that they could launch the war, and that the U.S. would “just have to react,” he said.
Carlson — who has described the war as ‘‘absolutely disgusting and evil” — asked Kent whether the regime was on the verge of creating a nuclear bomb.
“No. They weren't three weeks ago when this started, and they weren't in June either,” he said, referring to the U.S. military’s June 22 strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Read more...
Trump’s former counterterrorism chief Joe Kent blames Israel for war with Iran
Fatalities in Israel and occupied West Bank grow amid Iran war
01:00 , Rachel DobkinFatalities in Israel and the occupied West Bank have increased amid the Iran war, with several new deaths reported.
The Israeli military told the Associated Press that an Iranian missile struck the West Bank Wednesday night local time.
While the death toll has fluctuated, the humanitarian network, Palestinian Red Crescent, said at least three people have died, and at least 13 more were injured as of early Thursday morning, per the AP.
Israel’s medical service, Magen David Adom, said early Thursday a foreign worker in his 30s was killed by shrapnel in the South Sharon region following missile fire.
Ship hit off UAE coast: UKMTO
00:30 , Rachel DobkinThe UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre has announced a report of a ship being hit by an “unknown projectile” east of Khawr Fakkan, United Arab Emirates.
The strike caused a fire on board. It’s unclear what damage the ship sustained and whether there were any casualties.
“Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO while authorities continue to investigate”, the centre said.
Qatar warns of possible attack after its Ras Laffan plant hit
00:07 , Rachel DobkinQatar warned of a possible incoming attack early Thursday morning local time, according to an emergency alert on residents’ phones, the Associated Press reported.
It comes after the country said its Ras Laffan plant, the largest liquefied natural gas plant in the world, suffered extensive damage from an Iranian strike Wednesday.
In pictures: Aftermath of alleged Israeli strikes on Iran's South Pars oil fields, which sparked retaliation threats
00:01 , Maira Butt Watch: Missile attack from Iran hit Ras Laffan gas plant, says Qatar
Wednesday 18 March 2026 23:40 , Maira ButtPresident Donald Trump attends transfer of fallen American soldiers
Wednesday 18 March 2026 23:20 , Maira ButtUS president Donald Trump attended the dignified transfer of American troops killed in the ongoing war with Iran.
In a statement on X on Wednesday, the White House wrote: “President Donald J. Trump attends the dignified transfer of six American heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in a refueling plane crash while serving our nation. May God bless them and their families. In Honor of: Maj. John A. Klinner,Capt. Ariana G. Savino, Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, Capt. Seth R. Koval, Capt. Curtis J. Angst, Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons.”
Two men charged with ‘spying on UK Jewish community’ for Iran
Wednesday 18 March 2026 23:00 , Maira ButtTwo men have been charged in relation to spying on locations and individuals linked to the Jewish community for Iran.
Nematollah Shahsavani, 40, a dual Iranian and British national has been charged with engaging in contact that is likely to assist a foreign intelligence service relating to Iran.
Alireza Farasati, 22, an Iranian national, has been charged with the same offence.
The alleged offences occurred between July 9 2025 and August 15 2025, Counter Terrorism Police London said.
Two men charged with ‘spying on UK Jewish community’ for Iran
Operations suspended at Abu Dhabi gas facilities after missiles intercepted
Wednesday 18 March 2026 22:40 , Maira ButtAbu Dhabi’s media office says operations have been suspended at gas facilities in the country after more missiles were intercepted on Wednesday.
Missiles had been on course for the Habshan gas facility and the Bab oil field, it said. Incidents involving fallen debris from the interceptions led to operations being called to a halt.
No injuries have been reported.
Qatar asks all Iranian embassy to leave country 'within 24 hours'
Wednesday 18 March 2026 22:08 , Maira ButtQatar’s foreign ministry has declared Iranian embassy officials “persona non grata” after Tehran attacked the country’s Ras Laffan energy hub on Wednesday.
All staff at the embassy have been asked to leave the country within 24 hours.
“Qatar considers both the military attache and the security attache at the embassy, in addition to the staff of the two attache offices ‘persona non grata’, and requests that they leave the country within a maximum period of 24 hours,” it wrote in a statement on social media.
What is Qatar’s Ras Laffan? World’s largest liquefied natural gas plant struck by Iran
Wednesday 18 March 2026 22:05 , Maira ButtQatar’s massive Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas facility was hit by Iranian revenge strikes Wednesday as the war in the Middle East escalated with attacks on energy facilities.
Iran had threatened to attack Gulf energy facilities after its South Pars natural gas field was struck Wednesday, reportedly by Israel.
Hours later, Qatar said it had successfully intercepted four out of five ballistic missiles launched from Iran, while the fifth hit Ras Laffan Industrial City and caused "extensive damage."
Ras Laffan is an energy-industry hub where the core of QatarEnergy’s LNG processing takes place. The company had already stopped production at the site because of Iranian attacks.
The state oil giant had evacuated Ras Laffan LNG installations after Iran said several energy facilities across Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar would be targeted by strikes "in the coming hours.”
Analysis: Unlike Trump, Iran’s regime has been plotting this war for decades
Wednesday 18 March 2026 21:45 , Maira ButtBent on regime change by attacking Iran from the air, Israel and America failed to plan for a war beyond bombing, but Tehran has spent decades preparing to frustrate exactly the kind of conflict it is now enduring.
Iran’s regime has a system known as the “mosaic defence”, which has been implemented for battlefield decision-making, counterattacks and state oppression.
Tehran knew that Israel planned to lead American attempts to destroy its theocracy by using its staggering levels of air power.
The Independent’s world affairs editor Sam Kiley reports:
Unlike Trump, Iran’s regime has been plotting this war for decades
Trump 'does not want any further strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure'
Wednesday 18 March 2026 21:40 , Joe MiddletonPresident Donald Trump does not want any further strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure after Israel's attack on the South Pars , the Wall Street Journal reported, citing U.S. officials.
Trump, who knew about the Israeli strike on South Pars in advance, supported it as a message to Tehran over its blocking of the Strait of Hormuz, and could again be open to targeting more Iranian energy facilities depending on Tehran's future actions, the WSJ said.
Reuters could not immediately verify the report.
Watch: Russia has already made $10bn on Iran war, says Zelensky
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:44 , Maira ButtBallistic missile from Iran hit gas plant, says Qatar
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:41 , Jane DaltonQatar says it intercepted four out of five ballistic missiles launched from Iran, while a fifth hit Ras Laffan Industrial City and caused "extensive damage”.
Ras Laffan is where the core QatarEnergy LNG processing takes place.
The state oil giant had evacuated Ras Laffan LNG installations, a source told Reuters, following Iran's threat to attack Gulf energy facilities.
Iran issued an evacuation warning for several energy facilities across Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, saying they would be targeted by strikes "in the coming hours", Iranian state media reported on Wednesday.
Qatar says Iranian attacks 'threat to country's security'
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:26 , Jane DaltonQatar says it "reserves its right to respond" to the "brazen" missile attacks at its Ras Laffan gas plant, warning Iran’s attacks were a "direct threat to its national security and the stability of the region".
"The Iranian side continues its escalatory policies that are pushing the region toward the abyss and drawing in countries that are not parties to this crisis into the circle of conflict," the country's foreign ministry wrote on social media.
The statement said Qatar would "not hesitate to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security, and the safety of its citizens".
Who is Esmail Khatib? The Iranian intelligence minister Israel claims to have killed
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:10 , Maira ButtIsrael’s Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that the Israeli military has killed Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib.
This killing follows previous Israeli actions against other high-ranking Iranian security officials, including Ali Larijani and the head of the Basij force.
Khatib was sanctioned by the US Treasury in 2022 for directing cyber-enabled activities against the United States and its allies, and his ministry was accused of severe human rights abuses.
Iran has not officially acknowledged Khatib’s death, with state television instead broadcasting a funeral procession for Ali Larijani and other officials.
Qatar gas plant badly damaged
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:06 , Jane DaltonQatar’s main gas plant has been extensively damaged by missile attacks, QatarEnergy says.
The Ras Laffan Industrial City was subjected to missile attacks, the firm said, shortly after the country's interior ministry reported a fire resulting from an Iranian attack on the area.
“Emergency response teams were deployed immediately to contain the resulting fires, as extensive damage has been caused. All personnel have been accounted for and no casualties have been reported,” QatarEnergy wrote on social media.
