Iran has explicitly named energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Israel as potential targets for retaliation, should the United States proceed with military strikes on Iranian facilities.
The threat, reported by state-affiliated Tasnim News, marks a significant escalation in rhetoric, directly linking US military action to the security of major global energy exporters.
The warning follows reports that US President Donald Trump is seriously contemplating attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure, though no final decision has been made.
According to Axios, US officials are briefing the president on potential military options, with the administration signaling that Iran could face 'massive' strikes if it continues to 'misbehave.'
For energy markets, the explicit targeting of Gulf state infrastructure introduces a new layer of supply disruption risk.
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar are among the world's largest oil and LNG exporters.
Any perceived threat to their facilities could trigger immediate volatility in Brent crude and natural gas prices, as traders price in the potential for broader regional conflict.