March 18 (UPI) -- Iran is threatening to execute retaliatory strikes on oil and gas facilities near the Persian Gulf after Israel launched an attack on its South Pars gas field on Wednesday.
No one was harmed in the strike by Israel on one of the world's largest natural gas fields. Qatar also operates facilities in the South Pars gas field. Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Majed Al Ansai, was critical of Israel over the attack, calling it "reckless and irresponsible."
Several potential targets are bracing for retaliation by Iran. Saudi Arabia, which is across the Persian Gulf from Iran, has at least four major gas fields and refineries near the gulf coast.
Iran issued evacuation orders for civilians near three energy facilities in Saudi Arabia: the SAMREF refinery, al-Jubail petrochemical complex and Masaiid Holding Company. It also called for evacuations for the areas near the al-Hosn gas field in the United Arab Emirates and the Ras Laffan refinery in Qatar.
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