Qatar confirms its Ras Laffan gas plant, the world's largest LNG facility, suffered 'extensive damage' from an Iranian missile strike. The attack, which Qatar calls a 'direct threat to national security,' led to the expulsion of Iranian diplomats and escalated Middle East tensions following prior attacks on Iranian energy sites.
Qatar announced that its Ras Laffan gas plant, the world's largest liquefied natural gas facility, was 'extensively damaged' by an Iranian missile strike. While Qatar claims to have intercepted four out of five ballistic missiles, one successfully hit Ras Laffan Industrial City. In response, Qatar's foreign ministry declared Iranian embassy officials 'persona non grata,' demanding their departure within 24 hours, and condemned the 'brazen' attacks as a direct threat to its national security and regional stability. This escalation follows an alleged Israeli strike on Iran's South Pars natural gas field, after which Iran threatened to target several energy facilities across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. Abu Dhabi also reported intercepting missiles aimed at its gas facilities, leading to a suspension of operations. The broader conflict includes Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, sending global oil prices soaring, and remarks from US President Donald Trump regarding abandoning allies and his stance on strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure. Additionally, the article notes the dignified transfer of fallen American soldiers and charges against two men in the UK for allegedly spying for Iran.
