Iran Accuses Israel of Expanding War, Cites Gas Facility Attack

Iran's foreign minister has accused Israel of attempting to broaden the conflict beyond its borders by attacking a major gas facility in Bushehr province. He stated that dragging the conflict into the Persian Gulf would be a strategic error with the aim of extending the war outside of Iranian territory. He warned that any military escalation in the region could have global repercussions.

The foreign minister was referring to a strike on a facility operating at South Pars, which is located offshore near Bushehr province. This field is crucial, supplying approximately 70% of Iran's domestic natural gas. The South Pars/North Dome field is the world's largest known gas reserve, shared with Qatar, and has been under development by Iran since the late 1990s.

Iranian media reported a significant explosion and fire following an Israeli drone attack on a South Pars facility. The foreign minister further stated that Iran holds the United States responsible for enabling Israel's actions. He clarified that while the current conflict is limited to Israel, Iran would not extend it to neighboring countries or US facilities.

He also mentioned receiving messages from the US through various channels denying involvement in the attack. However, he expressed skepticism, citing evidence to the contrary and demanding a clear public condemnation from the US government.

The foreign minister explained that the talks scheduled with the US in Oman on Sunday were cancelled and justified Iran's response to the attacks as legitimate self-defense. He also revealed that Tehran had requested an emergency meeting of the UN nuclear inspectorate, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to address the Israeli attack on its Natanz nuclear facility.

He added that Iran had not initially intended to target Israeli economic assets but was compelled to do so in response to attacks on its oil installations. Iranian foreign ministry sources believe Israel's objective is regime change in Tehran, and it would be up to other European powers to state their position on the matter.

In his briefing, the foreign minister expressed gratitude to countries that condemned the Israeli attack. He also criticized certain European nations for condemning Iran instead of Israel, despite claiming to uphold international law. He reiterated his request for an IAEA meeting on Monday following the attack on the Natanz nuclear facility.