A major Iranian missile attack has inflicted severe damage on Qatar's Ras Laffan Industrial City, home to the globe's biggest liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility, forcing a complete production halt amid raging fires. Qatar's air defenses intercepted four out of five incoming ballistic missiles launched by Iran early Thursday, but one struck the heart of Ras Laffan, QatarEnergy reported. "Extensive damage to critical infrastructure," the state-owned energy giant stated, confirming no casualties thanks to swift evacuations. Civil defense teams are still combating blazes at the 295-square-kilometer complex, which handles nearly 20% of worldwide LNG exports.

The strike marks a bold escalation, coming days after U.S. and Israeli operations inside Iran reportedly killed key regime figures. Qatar condemned the assault as a "flagrant violation of sovereignty," promptly expelling Iranian military attaches. It's the latest in a string of hits on regional energy targets, including prior drone strikes on Qatar's Mesaieed plant. Iran claimed the attack as retaliation, though details remain sparse amid the chaos.

LNG futures surged over 15% in after-hours trading, with oil prices climbing toward $95 a barrel. Analysts warn of supply squeezes rippling to Europe, Asia, and India—echoing the 2022 energy crisis when prices quadrupled. Qatar, the top LNG shipper, may tap shared South Pars fields, but full repairs could drag on for weeks.

QatarEnergy vows a rapid assessment: "Priority is safety and restoration." World leaders, including President Trump, urged restraint as Gulf allies like Saudi Arabia and the UAE monitor closely. This incident spotlights the vulnerability of global energy chokepoints. Updates will follow as the situation develops.