Trump to Netanyahu: Hands off Iran’s gas fields

U.S. President Donald Trump has revealed that he cautioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against targeting Iran’s gas infrastructure, following a strike that has rattled global energy markets.

Speaking on Thursday, Trump said he explicitly told Netanyahu not to carry out further attacks on Iranian gas fields, stressing that such actions would not continue. He also claimed he had no prior knowledge of Israel’s strike on the South Pars gas field, despite U.S. officials indicating Washington was aware of the operation, though not directly involved.

The attack triggered retaliation from Iran, which struck energy facilities in Qatar, escalating fears of broader disruption to global energy supplies.

Trump noted that while the United States and Israel coordinate closely, there are moments of disagreement. He emphasized that Washington is currently avoiding direct strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure, citing concerns over surging oil prices as the conflict enters its third week.

However, in a contrasting tone, Trump warned on social media that the U.S. could take severe action against the South Pars field if Iran continues its attacks on regional energy targets.

Iran, for its part, has vowed a strong response to any further strikes, declaring it would show “zero restraint” if its energy facilities are hit again.

With oil markets already volatile, Trump expressed confidence that prices would stabilize once the conflict ends. Still, uncertainty lingers over the duration of the joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign, which began on February 28, and the broader objectives of the operation.

While Trump maintains the mission is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to dismantle its missile and naval capabilities, Netanyahu has gone further, openly encouraging regime change in Iran. The conflict’s opening phase reportedly saw a strike that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, marking a dramatic escalation in tensions.