UAE affirms targeting Iran's Pars gas field threatens global energy security

The United Arab Emirates has affirmed that targeting energy facilities linked to the South Pars gas field in Iran represents a serious escalation and constitutes a direct threat to global energy security.

The UAE stressed that such attacks threaten the security and stability of the region and its people, and carry severe environmental consequences.

It also poses direct risks to civilians, maritime security, and vital civil and industrial facilities.

Iran's Pars gas field was hit on Wednesday in the first reported strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure in the Gulf during the US-Israeli war, according to Reuters. Iran's Fars news agency reported that gas tanks and parts of a refinery had been hit, workers had been evacuated to a safe location and emergency crews were trying to put out a fire.

Pars is the Iranian sector of the world's largest natural gas deposit, which Iran shares with Qatar across the Gulf.

The Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson called it a "dangerous and irresponsible" escalation that put global energy security at risk.

The UAE further emphasised the importance of avoiding the targeting of critical infrastructure under any circumstances, reaffirming the importance of adherence to international law and the preservation of regional security and stability.