Iran Again Threatens to Destroy Region’s Energy Facilities if Attacked

Iran has renewed its warning that it will target and destroy energy infrastructure across the Middle East if further strikes are carried out against its territory, signalling a dangerous escalation in the ongoing regional conflict.

Iranian military officials said any new attacks—particularly on its oil and gas assets—would trigger retaliatory strikes on energy facilities in neighbouring countries, including those in the Gulf.

The latest threat follows recent strikes on Iran’s critical energy infrastructure, including the South Pars gas field, one of the world’s largest natural gas reserves.

In response, Iran has warned it could hit oil refineries, gas fields, and export terminals across the region, raising fears of a wider economic and military confrontation. Officials described the situation as a “new stage” of the conflict, with Tehran prepared to escalate further if what it calls “aggression” continues.

READ ALSO:

• Tinubu, Starmer Meet as UK Backs £746m Lagos Port Upgrade Deal
• Sham Marriage, Tax Fraud: Kazeem Faces Denaturalisation in US
• PDP Crisis Deepens as Party Suspends Wike-Aligned Chairman

Recent developments have already seen missile and drone strikes targeting energy installations in Gulf countries, including key facilities linked to global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply chains.

The escalating threats have sparked serious concerns about global energy security, as the Gulf region accounts for a significant share of the world’s oil and gas exports. Oil prices have surged sharply amid fears of supply disruption, while gas markets have also reacted due to risks to major LNG hubs. The strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies, remains under heightened threat.

Analysts warn that a sustained escalation could severely disrupt global markets, with potential ripple effects on fuel prices, inflation, and economic stability worldwide.

The warnings come amid intensifying hostilities involving Iran and Israel, with both sides increasingly targeting critical infrastructure. Iran has also called for regional coordination with countries such as Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan, urging a collective response to what it describes as foreign destabilisation efforts.

Despite international calls for restraint, the conflict continues to expand, with energy infrastructure now emerging as a central battleground.

Iran Again Threatens to Destroy Region’s Energy Facilities if Attacked

Diplomatic Rift: Spain Withdraws Ambassador from Israel

In a major diplomatic development, the government of Spain has formally withdrawn its ambassador from Israel, signaling a deepening crisis in relations between the two nations.

The decision effectively removes Spain’s top envoy from Tel Aviv and downgrades diplomatic representation to a chargé d’affaires, a move widely seen as one of the strongest diplomatic protests available short of severing ties completely.

The latest action follows a prolonged period of tension between Madrid and Tel Aviv, which escalated after Spain recognized a Palestinian state in 2024. That decision triggered sharp reactions from Israel and marked the beginning of a steady deterioration in bilateral relations.

READ ALSO:

• Pentagon Seeks Over $200bn to Fund Iran War as US Military Costs Surge
• NRC announces free train rides, extra trips for Eid Fitr 
• Recovered Funds: EFCC Hands Over ₦3.9bn Linked to Oil Sector Fraud

Spain has consistently voiced concern over Israel’s military operations in Gaza, calling for restraint and adherence to international humanitarian law. Spanish authorities have also expressed opposition to broader regional escalations, including developments tied to tensions involving Iran. These positions have placed Spain at odds with Israel’s government, further widening the diplomatic divide between the two countries.

Prior to this development, Spain had already recalled its ambassador for consultations, a common diplomatic step used to signal disapproval. However, the current move goes further by making the withdrawal permanent, effectively leaving both countries without full ambassadorial representation in each other’s capitals. Diplomatic sources indicate that while embassies will continue to function, engagement will now occur at a lower level, limiting the scope of bilateral cooperation.

The withdrawal highlights growing divisions within the international community over the Middle East crisis. Spain’s stance reflects a more assertive foreign policy approach, particularly on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and aligns with calls from several European actors for a reassessment of regional strategies. For now, relations between Spain and Israel remain strained, with no immediate signs of diplomatic normalization.

Diplomatic Rift: Spain Withdraws Ambassador from Israel

Pentagon Seeks Over $200bn to Fund Iran War as US Military Costs Surge

The United States Department of Defense (Pentagon) has reportedly requested a budget exceeding $200 billion to sustain operations linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, according to a report by The Washington Post.

The proposed funding, which is yet to receive final approval, is expected to form part of a supplemental budget package that would require authorization from the White House and the U.S. Congress. If approved, it would significantly expand U.S. defense spending amid escalating military activity in the Middle East.

According to the report, the request reflects the increasing cost of maintaining operations tied to the Iran conflict, including troop deployments, logistics, intelligence activities, and the use of advanced military equipment across multiple operational zones. A senior administration official indicated that the budget submission aligns with ongoing efforts to sustain and support active military engagements.

READ ALSO:

• NRC announces free train rides, extra trips for Eid Fitr 
• Recovered Funds: EFCC Hands Over ₦3.9bn Linked to Oil Sector Fraud
• AU Rallies African Nations Against Terrorism as CDS Warns of ‘Enemies Within’

The development comes as the United States continues to face rising expenditures associated with the conflict, with earlier estimates suggesting that billions of dollars have already been spent in a short period on munitions, support systems, and operational logistics. The scale of spending has raised concerns among analysts about the long-term financial implications of prolonged military involvement.

Lawmakers are expected to scrutinize the request as part of the federal budget process, where congressional approval is required before additional defense funds can be allocated. Debates are likely to focus on the necessity of the expenditure, its allocation, and its impact on broader fiscal policy, particularly as the U.S. balances domestic priorities with international commitments.

The proposed budget underscores the growing economic burden of the Iran conflict, which has not only intensified geopolitical tensions but also influenced global energy markets and defense priorities. Analysts say sustained military engagement in the region could continue to drive up costs if hostilities persist.

As discussions move forward, the size of the Pentagon’s request highlights the scale of U.S. involvement and the expected financial demands of maintaining operations in a potentially prolonged conflict scenario.

Pentagon Seeks Over $200bn to Fund Iran War as US Military Costs Surge