Tensions in the Middle East escalated after an Israeli strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field on Wednesday, with conflicting accounts emerging over the level of U.S. involvement. While Donald Trump publicly denied prior knowledge of the attack, Israeli officials indicated that Washington had been informed in advance, though it was not a joint operation.
According to three Israeli officials speaking anonymously to news agency Reuters, the strike was coordinated with the United States but is unlikely to be repeated unless Iran launches further attacks, particularly against Qatar. They suggested that Trump’s public denial was not unexpected, citing a similar pattern after previous Israeli strikes on Iranian fuel depots, when Pete Hegseth also distanced Washington from direct involvement.
The attack triggered a significant Iranian response, including aerial strikes on energy infrastructure in Qatar and across the region. The escalation has caused widespread disruption, with damage reported at a major gas facility in Qatar, a refinery in Saudi Arabia, and gas installations in the United Arab Emirates, some of which were forced to shut down.
Following the Iranian retaliation, Gulf countries sought clarification from the United States. Sources confirmed news agency Reuters that one nation contacted U.S. Central Command, which reportedly said it had not been informed in advance of the Israeli strike. However, Steve Witkoff later indicated that while the operation was not jointly conducted, the U.S. had prior knowledge of it.
Israel has not officially confirmed its role in the attack.
Despite repeated assertions of close coordination between the U.S. and Israel in their broader campaign against Iran, differences in strategic objectives remain. Speaking before a congressional committee, Tulsi Gabbard stated that Israel’s focus has been on targeting Iranian leadership, while the US has prioritised dismantling Iran’s ballistic missile programme and naval capabilities.
