Iran has restarted gas production at three offshore platforms in the South Pars gasfield after a series of attacks blamed on Israel earlier this year . Touraj Dehqani,CEO of Pars Oil and Gas Company,announced this on state media Sunday. He confirmed the platforms were undamaged despite the military strikes in March.
Production is back on track,but the gas is being redirected to other processing facilities in region while repairs continue on affected sites. The Israeli military's assault on South Pars, part of the world's largest natural gasfield, led Iran to retaliate against energy infrastructure across the region.
Besides South Pars, Israeli forces also hit Iran's largest petrochemical facility in Asaluyeh in early April. Ongoing conflict raises worries about stability of Iran’s energy sector, vital for the country’s economy .
On the resumption of gas production,Tohid Asadi from Tehran for Al Jazeera pointed out its importance. He called reopening of South Pars key step for Iran, both symbolically and practically. “Iran is trying to send a message that it is working to rebuild the targeted facilities,” Asadi said. He also noted the air strikes had wider impacts,hitting much of the country’s infrastructure, including oil depots in the capital.
Asadi stressed the importance of South Pars,labeling it one of Iran’s most critical energy facilities. While production resuming is good sign, he warned the real challenge will be Iran's ability to export its energy amid the current geopolitical tensions .
The South Pars gasfield,located off Iran's southern coast in Bushehr province,covers about 9,700 square kilometers and is shared with Qatar, where it’s known as the North Field. This facility is crucial for generating electricity and meeting Iran's energy needs .
Meanwhile,tensions persist as Trump administration keeps a blockade on Iranian ports,part of broader strategy to pressure Iran into nuclear negotiations. Iran's chief negotiator reiterated Sunday that Tehran won't agree to any deal unless its full rights are recognized.
