Netanyahu: Israel Will "Pause" Airstrikes on Iranian Energy Facilities
On March 19, Xinhua News Agency reported from Jerusalem that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated at a press conference that Israel "independently" conducted airstrikes on Iranian gas fields, and that Israel would "comply" with U.S. President Trump's request to "pause" subsequent airstrikes on energy facilities.
Earlier that day, Trump stated at the White House in response to media questions that he had informed Netanyahu not to attack energy facilities within Iran.
According to Iranian media reports on the 18th, some petrochemical facilities in the South Pars and Assaluyeh regions of Bushehr Province in southern Iran were attacked by U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. Iran subsequently announced strikes on oil facilities related to the United States in Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Trump later posted on social media that the U.S. was "completely unaware" of Israel's attacks on Iranian oil and gas facilities in advance.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed that Israel conducted airstrikes on Iranian gas fields on March 19, 2023, and stated that Israel would comply with U.S. President Trump's request to pause further strikes on Iranian energy facilities. Trump had earlier advised Netanyahu against attacking these facilities. Iranian media reported that U.S. and Israeli airstrikes targeted oil and petrochemical facilities in Bushehr Province, prompting Iran to announce retaliation against Gulf states associated with the U.S.
- Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed airstrikes on Iranian gas fields.
- Netanyahu stated Israel will comply with Trump's request to pause further strikes.
- Trump indicated he had informed Netanyahu not to attack Iranian energy facilities.
- Iranian media reported airstrikes on oil and petrochemical facilities in Bushehr Province.
- Iran announced retaliation against Gulf states related to U.S. after the airstrikes.