Iran's Supreme Leader Vows to "Settle Blood Debts" - Conflict Spreads to Gulf Oil and Gas Heartland

The military strikes by the US and Israel against Iran entered their 19th day on March 18. For the first time since the conflict began, Israeli forces attacked targets in northern Iran; Iran has vowed to “settle the blood debt” for the assassination of its top security official, Larijani.

Key energy infrastructure has been targeted by US and Israeli attacks. Iran announced “legitimate strikes” on oil facilities in multiple Gulf countries, with the conflict spreading to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.

Beyond the battlefield, significant differences have emerged between the US and Israel regarding the “ultimate goal” of the Iran conflict.

Overview of US, Israel, and Iran Developments

Iran’s Supreme Leader Vows to “Settle the Blood Debt”

On the evening of the 17th, Israeli forces carried out an attack targeting Iranian Intelligence Minister Ismail Hatik. Iranian President Raisi confirmed Hatik’s death on social media on the 18th.

Additionally, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed in the early hours of the 18th that Secretary Ali Larijani was killed in the airstrike. His son Morteza Larijani, Security Affairs Deputy Ali Reza Bayat, and several others were also killed.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei issued a statement mourning the deaths of Larijani and his son. He praised Larijani as a political, military, and cultural veteran with nearly fifty years of experience—“knowledgeable, visionary, and loyal”—a core figure in Iran’s political scene.

Khamenei emphasized that such terrorist acts will only “strengthen the will of the Islamic nation,” and vowed that “blood debts will be soon paid.”

Iran Launches Multiple Retaliation Operations

In the early hours of the 19th, Iran launched the 63rd round of “True Commitment” operations. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it had launched a large-scale missile attack on oil and energy facilities related to the US in the region, retaliating equally for the attack on Iran’s energy infrastructure. The statement confirmed multiple rounds of strikes by Iranian forces, ensuring that the damage inflicted on enemies matches the destruction of Iranian infrastructure.

During the 62nd wave of attacks on the 18th, IRGC announced it had “completely struck” all US military bases and Israeli troop gathering points in the region, using various missiles in a series of powerful military actions to commemorate “martyrs buried by the Iranian people.”

Iran also took measures to strengthen internal security. On the 18th, Iranian security forces announced the arrest of about 75 individuals in the Sistan and Baluchestan Province, whom they identified as connected to “terrorist organizations” and criminal gangs opposing Iranian security forces.

US Threatens to Continue Attacking the Iranian Regime

On the 18th, U.S. President Trump stated via social media that the US is considering further strikes against the Iranian regime, claiming that countries relying on the Strait of Hormuz for shipping should bear the related security responsibilities, not the US.

First Israeli Attack on Northern Iran Since the Start of the War

On the evening of the 18th, Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) announced that within the past 24 hours, they had attacked over 200 targets in western and central Iran. These targets included storage sites and launch facilities for Iranian ballistic missiles and drones, as well as air defense systems and weapons manufacturing bases.

The IDF also announced that, for the first time since the joint US-Israeli military operation against Iran on February 28, they had launched airstrikes in northern Iran.

Additionally, the IDF reported killing Hassan Ali Marwan, a commander of the Iranian militia group “Imam Hussain Brigade,” during an airstrike in Beirut, Lebanon.

Conflict Spreads to Gulf Neighbors

The South Pars gas field, located in the Persian Gulf and shared by Iran and Qatar, is the world’s largest natural gas field. Iran reported that on the 18th, some oil and chemical facilities in South Pars and Asaluyeh in Busher Province were attacked by the US and Israel.

Israeli officials claimed the attack was coordinated with the US. A US official denied US involvement, stating the operation was carried out by Israel.

Iran’s National Gas Company reported that around 2 PM, facilities at South Pars were attacked by hostile forces, causing a fire that has now been extinguished. Iran’s energy supply remains normal.

Following the attack on energy infrastructure, Iran’s Hatem Ansar Central Headquarters issued a statement warning of severe retaliation. President Raisi warned that such aggression would complicate the situation further and could trigger uncontrollable chain reactions affecting global stability.

The IRGC issued an emergency warning that “oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar” are “legitimate targets” for future strikes, urging residents in those areas to evacuate. The statement also said that Iran had repeatedly warned these countries, but they continued to follow blindly imposed decisions not reflecting their own people’s will. They will bear full responsibility for the consequences.

That evening, Qatar’s Defense Ministry reported that Qatar was hit by five ballistic missiles. Four were intercepted by Qatar’s missile defense systems, while one struck Ras Laffan Industrial City, causing a fire. Ras Laffan is the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) production facility. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry later declared the Iranian military attaché and staff at the Iranian embassy in Qatar as “persona non grata,” demanding they leave within 24 hours.

Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry announced that Riyadh was targeted by ballistic missile attacks. The air defense system intercepted and destroyed four missiles, with no initial reports of casualties.

Iran claimed to have successfully struck the Riyadh oil and gas complex in the outskirts of the Saudi capital. Explosions and fires occurred at the refinery, which reportedly destroyed fuel reserves for US aircraft, potentially paralyzing or severely disrupting US military fuel supplies.

Escort Plan Falters as White House Scrambles for Oil

The ongoing conflict has severely disrupted global energy supplies, with the Strait of Hormuz nearly completely shut down. Recent shipping data shows that last week, oil exports from major Gulf oil-producing countries dropped over 60% compared to February averages. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Novak stated on the 18th that the world is facing the worst energy crisis in 40 years.

US Pressures Allies to Make Escort Statements

US President Trump has repeatedly called on European countries, Japan, and South Korea to assist in securing safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. However, countries like Germany, France, and South Korea have stated they will not send warships to the strait. European officials reported that the US is pressuring allies to issue statements supporting safe navigation in the strait. Currently, the Trump administration is more focused on political support than on specific military contributions, urging allies to make public commitments by the end of the week.

The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Kitack Lim, said on the 17th that deploying warships cannot “guarantee 100% safety” for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, and risks remain. He emphasized that military assistance is “neither a long-term solution nor sustainable.”

US Government Seeks Multiple Measures to Control Oil Prices

As energy prices continue to rise due to the conflict, the Trump administration is trying various measures to stabilize the oil market.

On the 18th, President Trump announced a 60-day suspension of the Jones Act, lifting restrictions on domestic shipping between US ports, aiming to curb oil price hikes caused by the near closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Under this measure, foreign-flagged ships will be allowed to transport energy and other goods between US ports for the next 60 days.

Additionally, the US further relaxed sanctions on Venezuela. The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control issued a general license on the 18th, authorizing certain transactions involving Venezuela’s state oil company, provided specific conditions are met.

Differences in the “Ultimate Goal” of US and Israel

According to reports on the 18th, despite close communication between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding Iran, there may be differences in their “end goals” and risk tolerance.

US officials believe the US prefers to end major military operations after weakening Iran’s missile, nuclear, naval capabilities, and proxy networks. Israel, however, is more focused on regime change through high-level assassinations. A White House official said, “Israel’s focus is different; we are clear about that,” and noted Israel “prefers targeting Iranian leadership.”

On energy policy, disagreements also exist. The US prioritizes stabilizing global oil prices, while Israel’s attacks on Iranian oil storage facilities have caused US dissatisfaction. The White House has demanded that Israel seek prior approval for future actions.

There is growing skepticism within the US about the motives behind this war. CIA Director Joe Kent resigned on the 17th in protest of military actions against Iran. Commentator Su Xiaohui analyzed that many now realize that US overuse of force has not achieved the desired results and may entrap the US further. Many Republicans are also silent out of frustration. With midterm elections scheduled for November, where all House seats and one-third of Senate seats will be contested, increasing partisan divides could threaten Trump’s future administration if the GOP loses control of either chamber. Continuing military actions now could split Trump’s core supporters who believe in “Making America Great Again.”

According to Chinese reporter Li Jiannan in Tehran, Iranian public opinion generally does not oppose peace but believes that ending the war on US-Israeli terms would seriously harm national interests and could lead to future conflicts. Iran is determined to resist fully, demonstrating its resolve and deterrence to prevent future wars and conflicts.