Israeli Sabotage Attack Allegedly Causes Explosions on Iranian Gas Pipeline
Accusations and Tensions Rise Between Iran and Israel
An Israeli sabotage attack on an Iranian natural gas pipeline last week reportedly resulted in multiple explosions, according to Iran’s oil minister, Javad Owji. The alleged attack has further increased tensions between these two regional archenemies, occurring against the backdrop of Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Owji claimed, “The explosion of the gas pipeline was an Israeli plot,” stating that the intention was to disrupt gas service in the provinces, putting people’s gas distribution at risk. However, no evidence has been provided to substantiate these claims.
Israel, which rarely claims responsibility for espionage missions abroad, has not acknowledged carrying out the attack. The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a longstanding adversary of Iran, has not responded to requests for comment.
Details of the Pipeline Explosion
The explosions, which occurred on February 14, affected a natural gas pipeline that stretches from Iran’s Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province to cities on the Caspian Sea. The approximately 1,270-kilometer (790-mile) pipeline originates from Asaluyeh, a hub for Iran’s offshore South Pars gas field.
It is worth noting that Owji drew a parallel between this attack and the series of unclaimed assaults on gas pipelines in 2011, which occurred around the anniversary of Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. Interestingly, the pipeline explosions coincided with this year’s anniversary celebration.
Israel’s Targeting of Iran’s Nuclear Program
Israel has a history of carrying out attacks that predominantly target Iran’s nuclear program. Just last week, the head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog warned of Iran’s lack of transparency regarding its atomic program, particularly after an official from Tehran’s program declared that they possess all the necessary components for a nuclear weapon.
Tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program coincide with Iran’s arming of regional groups such as Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Both groups have launched attacks against Israel in connection with the conflict in Gaza. The Houthis have continued to target commercial shipping in the region, prompting airstrikes from the United States and the United Kingdom.
Despite a month of U.S.-led airstrikes, the Houthi rebels have shown their capability to launch significant attacks. In recent events, they severely damaged a ship in a crucial strait and successfully downed an American drone worth tens of millions of dollars.
Additionally, a suspected Israeli strike in Damascus, Syria, targeted individuals from Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. This strike took place in an area that has previously been subjected to likely Israeli attacks.
Conclusion
As tensions escalate between Iran and Israel, all eyes remain on the aftermath of the alleged Israeli sabotage attack on the Iranian natural gas pipeline. The incidents surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and the involvement of armed groups in the region add further complexity to the already volatile situation.
