Iran has warned it could launch strikes on key energy infrastructure across the Gulf region following attacks on its largest gas field, marking the first direct hit on its fossil fuel sector since the conflict began.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued the threat after Iranian state media reported missile strikes on facilities at the South Pars gas field—the world’s largest natural gas reserve, jointly shared with Qatar.

Israel media reports suggested the operation was carried out by Israel with backing from the United States, signaling a sharp escalation in the conflict. Until now, both countries had largely avoided targeting Iran’s oil and gas infrastructure, a restraint that helped limit volatility in global energy markets.

The latest development has heightened fears of wider disruption. By Wednesday afternoon, global oil prices had climbed toward $110 per barrel amid concerns over supply risks and the continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian authorities identified several potential targets for retaliation, including major energy installations in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. These reportedly include the Samref refinery and Jubail petrochemical complex in Saudi Arabia, the Al-Hosn gasfield in the UAE, and Qatar’s Mesaieed and Ras Laffan energy facilities.

A statement carried by state media warned that the sites had become “legitimate targets” and urged civilians and workers to evacuate immediately for safety.

Eskandar Pasalar, governor of Asaluyeh in southern Iran, described the reported US-Israeli action as “political suicide,” saying the conflict had shifted toward what he called a “full-scale economic war.”

Reacting to the developments, Qatari government spokesperson Majid Al-Ansari cautioned that any attack on energy infrastructure would pose serious risks to global energy security, regional populations, and the environment.

Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, is expected to resign from the cabinet of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of a March 31 deadline for political appointees seeking elective office in 2027.

The directive, issued by Tinubu, requires all ministers, aides, and appointees with political ambitions to step down in line with provisions of the Electoral Act. Adelabu, who has declared his intention to contest the Oyo State governorship election, is among those affected.

A source within the Ministry of Power confirmed that the minister is preparing to leave office before the deadline. “He is ready to bow out; I can authoritatively tell you this. His immediate goal is the Oyo Governorship 2027,” the source said.

Efforts to get an official response from Adelabu’s spokesperson, Bolaji Tunji, were unsuccessful, as calls and messages were not returned as of the time of filing this report.

Adelabu’s impending exit means he will leave office without meeting his self-imposed target of increasing Nigeria’s electricity supply to 6,000 megawatts. Current generation figures remain significantly below that goal, with about 3,331 MW distributed to electricity distribution companies as of Tuesday.

Nigeria’s power sector has continued to struggle with persistent challenges, including gas shortages and mounting debts. In recent weeks, generation companies shut down several gas-fired plants over unresolved legacy debts estimated at over N6.8 trillion, worsening blackouts nationwide.

Despite earlier projections to achieve the 6,000 MW target by 2025, the goal has remained unmet, underscoring the deep-rooted issues in the country’s electricity sector.