Adnoc CEO says Iran's attacks on Gulf energy are acts of ‘global economic warfare’

Email: online@newsofbahrain.com

ABU DHABI: Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and managing director and group Chief Executive of Adnoc, warned that recent attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure represent a "global economic warfare" that threatens international stability. 

Describing the strikes as unjustified and illegal, he emphasized that these facilities are civilian sites operated by everyday workers, yet their disruption impacts households and businesses far beyond the region. Al Jaber’s comments come as the Middle East enters a volatile phase of conflict, with energy flows increasingly being weaponized in a cycle of regional escalation.  “We must de-escalate, restore stability and ensure energy continues to flow safely to the world,” he said.

 The crisis intensified on February 28 following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, leading to a series of retaliatory attacks across the Gulf. This week, the situation worsened after Israel targeted Iran’s massive South Pars and Asaluyeh energy sites, a move the UAE labeled a "dangerous escalation." 

In response, Tehran launched strikes on key facilities including Qatar's Ras Laffan and the UAE's Habshan plant. These developments have sparked deep concerns among market analysts, who warn that continued instability will tighten global oil supplies and trigger significant price volatility.

International organizations and the United Nations have joined the call for restraint, noting that striking energy systems may breach international humanitarian law. UN officials stressed that these systems are vital civilian infrastructure essential for maintaining livelihoods and basic services. In response, Gulf nations have requested an urgent UN debate to address the threat to global security. Calling for an immediate end to the violence, Al Jaber and international partners urged a return to stability to ensure that energy continues to flow safely to the world.

Photo Credits: AFP