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Israeli Strikes on Iran's Gas Fields Could Trigger Attacks on Qatar: Analyst

Austrian analyst Tom Cooper warns that recent Israeli strikes on Iran's South Pars gas field are provocative and could lead Iran to retaliate against similar energy infrastructure in Qatar. Such an escalation would threaten global energy supplies, as many countries, including India, depend heavily on Qatari gas and fertilizers. Cooper notes that despite being militarily overpowered, Iran's deeply buried and protected assets allow it to sustain a cycle of retaliatory strikes. The situation highlights the potential for a prolonged conflict with significant repercussions for international energy markets.

Key Points: Israel-Iran Conflict Could Hit Qatar Gas, Impact India: Analyst

  • Israeli strike on Iran's South Pars called mindless
  • Could provoke Iranian attacks on Qatari energy
  • Global gas and fertilizer supplies at risk
  • Iran's dug-in assets allow sustained retaliation
  • Iran cannot win militarily but can continue strikes
2 min read

"Striking South Pars 'absolutely mindless', could provoke attacks on Qatar": Analyst Tom Cooper

An analyst warns Israeli strikes on Iran's South Pars could provoke attacks on Qatari energy, disrupting global gas and fertilizer supplies to countries like India.

"striking South Pars gas field... is absolutely mindless, because of course this is provoking Iran into striking back upon similar facilities in Qatar - Tom Cooper"

New Delhi, March 21

Austrian aerial warfare analyst and historian Tom Cooper has warned that Israeli strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure could escalate the conflict in West Asia and potentially trigger retaliatory attacks on energy facilities in Qatar, with wider implications for countries like India that depend on Gulf energy supplies.

In an interview with ANI on Friday, Cooper criticised the strike on the Iranian side of the South Pars gas field.

"And then we see the Israelis striking, doing such nonsensical things like striking South Pars gas field--the Iranian side of the South Pars gas field--which is absolutely mindless, because of course this is provoking Iran into striking back upon similar facilities in Qatar," Cooper said.

He warned that any escalation involving Qatari energy infrastructure could have broader global repercussions, including for India.

"And as you know, in India, not only India, but plenty of other countries are heavily dependable on sourcing their gas from Qatar, and not only gas, but also fertilizers for production of food," he said.

Cooper also said Iran retains the ability to continue retaliatory attacks despite heavy airstrikes by Israel and the United States.

"They're using bulldozers, dig out the entrances which are hit by American or Israeli bombs, pull out their missiles or UAVs, launch them, go back hiding into their underground facilities and then the entire game is repeated and repeated and again and again and again," he said.

According to Cooper, Iran faces overwhelming firepower from its adversaries but remains capable of sustaining retaliatory strikes due to deeply buried infrastructure.

"Iranians have no chance of military victory in this war. No way can they win. They are so overpowered by the enemy firepower," he said.

But he also said that Iranians are "well protected " and called the Iranian assets as "crucial".

He said, "But they're also well protected. Their crucial assets, assets which they can use to exercise some sort of violence against Israel and against their neighbours, they are so well dug in. So deep dug in that they can continue this."

He added, "And this is how this is now going to go on, who knows how much longer."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The analyst makes a valid point. These strikes seem short-sighted and only escalate tensions. It's not just about West Asia; it affects the global economy. We in India feel the pinch every time there's instability in the Gulf.
R
Rohit P
"Absolutely mindless" is the right term. Why attack a shared gas field? It's like poking a hornet's nest. Now ordinary people everywhere, including us, will pay the price for higher fuel and food costs. Very frustrating.
S
Sarah B
While I understand the security concerns, the analyst's warning about Qatar is crucial. India's energy security is tied to that region. I hope our diplomats are working overtime to ensure our supplies are protected.
V
Vikram M
The description of Iran just digging out and launching again is scary. This could be a long, drawn-out conflict with no real winner, just collateral damage across the world. Time for some serious diplomacy, not more strikes.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, while the analyst highlights risks to India, I feel the focus is too much on Iran's retaliation capability and not enough on what started this cycle. A balanced view is needed. Still, the warning on Qatar is something we must heed.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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