Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized French President Emmanuel Macron for not condemning Iran attacks by Israel and the United States. Araghchi emphasized that Macron failed to mention even one word of condemnation. He argued this silence came despite recent strikes on critical Iranian energy facilities. In a social media post, Araghchi highlighted missile attacks on fuel storage depots in Tehran and Alborz earlier this month. The strikes caused large fires, thick smoke, and environmental hazards affecting nearby populations.
Araghchi stressed that Macron’s concern only followed Iran’s retaliatory actions. The attacks targeted Iran’s oil and gas infrastructure. The National Iranian Oil Refinery and Distribution Company confirmed missile strikes on March 7. They damaged storage facilities, creating significant fire hazards and halting operations temporarily. On March 18, Israeli and U.S. forces struck four refining facilities in the South Pars Special Economic Energy Zone in Asaluyeh. This zone hosts the South Pars gas field, the largest in the world. It supplies nearly 70 percent of Iran’s domestic natural gas needs. The strikes triggered fires and forced the temporary suspension of production.
Following the attacks, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued evacuation orders for populations near key energy facilities in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Araghchi’s statement came after Macron posted that he spoke with the Emir of Qatar and U.S. President Donald Trump about the situation. Macron urged a moratorium on attacks targeting civilian infrastructure, particularly energy and water facilities.
Trump claimed that Israel launched the South Pars attack without informing the United States, promising no further attacks on the gas field. However, officials reported that the U.S. knew of the planned strike and had approved it before Iran retaliated on Qatar’s facilities. Experts warn that these developments could escalate regional tensions. Analysts say repeated Iran attacks on energy infrastructure could disrupt global energy supplies. They stress the need for diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.
Iranian officials indicate the country will continue to protect its energy assets. They highlight that civilian safety and energy security remain top priorities. International observers note that ongoing attacks and counterattacks may increase instability in the Persian Gulf region. As tensions grow, the global energy market watches closely. Future steps could include diplomatic talks, increased security around energy facilities, and coordinated international responses to prevent further disruption.