South Pars: What is the "energy treasure vault" of Iran that Trump threatens to blow up
The South Pars Gas Field, the world's largest known gas reserve, faces threats from the US and Israel due to its strategic importance for Iran.
The South Pars Gas Field, located in the Persian Gulf, is the largest known gas reserve in the world, shared between Iran (where it is called South Pars) and Qatar (known as North Field). The field is significant because it contains approximately 10%–20% of the world's natural gas reserves and is crucial for Iran's economy, accounting for 70%-75% of its natural gas production. Qatar has also benefitted from the field, becoming one of the largest exporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG) globally.
The Iranian section of the gas field has been developed through several phases, including the construction of drilling platforms, pipelines, and gas processing facilities. This massive offshore gas and hydrocarbon reserve is essentially a gigantic "tank" of gas located beneath the sea, making it a strategic asset for both countries involved. With the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region, the South Pars field has become a focal point of energy insecurity and conflict, especially in the context of U.S. sanctions and threats from Israel.
The threats directed towards the South Pars Gas Field highlight the increasing stakes in the region, where energy resources are not only vital for national economies but also for international diplomacy and security. The U.S. and Israel’s interest in the gas field reflects the broader implications of energy resources in global politics, where controlling such reserves can significantly alter power dynamics in the Middle East and beyond.