Over the weekend, Israeli forces targeted a natural gas plant linked to Iran’s massive South Pars field, its largest gas reserve, and also hit fuel storage sites, in what appears to be a calculated move against Iran’s domestic energy systems, according to multiple news reports.

For one thing, early reports indicate the air strikes did not hit Iran’s petroleum facilities, which means the Islamic Republic should be able to keep producing crude oil at the same rate as before. Due to international sanctions, Iran relies heavily on China. It’s been estimated that China imported 89% of Iranian oil in February 2024.

Israel’s stunning attacks on Iran’s nuclear program and military leadership are embroiling the Middle East in another deadly war — and could imperil President Donald Trump’s pledge to slash oil prices for American consumers.