Iran is capable of sharply escalating its campaign against energy infrastructure in the Gulf, analysts have warned, after Tehran carried out its first successful strike on an operational oil and gasfield.
“The gloves haven’t come off yet when it comes to striking energy infrastructure,” said Richard Bronze, head of geopolitics at consultancy Energy Aspects. “The Iranians are now hitting a growing list of targets across the Gulf states and that strategy may have further steps to come.”
Iran on Monday successfully struck the Shah oil and gasfield in southern Abu Dhabi. This was its first confirmed attack on upstream production and an indication that Tehran has the ability to prolong the disruption to global energy markets that has pushed oil prices above $100 a barrel. Saudi Arabia’s Shaybah and Berri fields have also been targeted by Iran in recent days.