Shanghai group condemns Israel's strikes on Iran, India distances itself
India on Saturday distanced itself from a statement issued by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) condemning Israel's strikes on Iran, stating that it did not participate in the discussions on the statement.The SCO, a China-led regional bloc comprising member states including China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, and India, had "strongly condemned" the Israeli military strikes on Iranian territory under Operation Rising Lion.advertisementIn a statement, the SCO said, "The member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) express serious concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East and strongly condemn the military strikes carried out by Israel on the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran on June 13, 2025."
It added: "Such aggressive actions against civilian targets, including energy and transport infrastructure, which have resulted in civilian casualties, are a gross violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. They constitute an infringement on Iran's sovereignty, cause damage to regional and international security, and pose serious risks to global peace and stability."India, however, reiterated its own position on the matter. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a clarification on SCO's statement, stating, "India's position on the matter had been articulated by us on 13 June 2025, and remains the same. We urge that channels of dialogue and diplomacy be utilised to work towards de-escalation, and it is essential that the international community undertake endeavours in that direction."advertisementThe ministry added that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had spoken separately with both his Israeli and Iranian counterparts on Friday."He conveyed the deep concern of the international community at the turn of events. He also urged the avoidance of any escalatory steps and an early return to diplomacy," the statement noted.The statement also noted that India had conveyed its position on the issue to other SCO member states. "In light of this, India did not take part in the discussions on the aforementioned SCO statement," it added.
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News18
22 minutes ago
- News18
Iran Denies Israel's Attack On World's Largest Gas Field: Why South Pars Is Key To Global Energy Ops
Last Updated: Iran shares the South Pars gas field with Qatar. Striking it would mark a major escalation in the conflict, which had already pushed oil prices up 9% on Friday Contrary to media reports, Iran oil ministry on Sunday denied Israel's attack on their oil and gas sector, claiming the Isfahan refinery operations continue without disruption. The semi-official Tasnim news agency had on Saturday reported that Iran had partially suspended gas production at the world's biggest gas field after an Israeli strike caused fire at South Pars gas field. Israel launched an air offensive against Iran on Friday, killing commanders and scientists and bombing nuclear sites in a stated bid to stop Tehran building an atomic weapon. Iran shares the South Pars gas field with Qatar. Striking it would mark a major escalation in the conflict, which had already pushed oil prices up 9% on Friday even though Israel spared Iran's oil and gas on the first day of its attacks. Operations at the Isfahan refinery continue without disruption, Iran's oil ministry told state media on Sunday, denying reports of an incident or attack against the facility.— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) June 15, 2025 The South Pars field is located offshore in Iran's southern Bushehr province and is responsible for the lion's share of gas production in Iran, the world's third largest gas producer after the United States and Russia. The fire broke out in one of the four units of Phase 14 of South Pars, halting production of 12 million cubic metres of gas, Tasnim had said. Iran produces around 275 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas per year or some 6.5% of global gas output, and consumes it domestically as it cannot export gas due to sanctions. Iran shares the field with Qatar, which calls the field North Field. Qatar produces 77 million tonnes of liquefied gas from the field with the help of global majors such as Exxon and Shell and supplies the gas to Europe and Asia. Israel had so far restricted its strikes to military and nuclear installations. The South Pars gas field attack could change the dynamics. 'This is probably the most important attack on oil and gas infrastructure since Abqaiq," said Jorge Leon, an analyst at Rystad Energy, referencing the 2019 attack on Saudi oil facilities that shook global markets, as per Bloomberg. THE TIMING Israeli strikes have come at a bad timing for Iran, which is grappling with nationwide protests over chronic water and power shortages. Blackouts have cost industries $20 billion annually, worsened by IRGC-linked Bitcoin mining diverting electricity from civilians. Hyperinflation has exceeded 50% for seven consecutive years, with the currency collapsing to 828,500 rials against one USD. Critical shortages of medicine, fuel, and electricity have eroded public trust. Protesters in 155 cities have been chanting 'No Light, No Water, No Future'. Cement prices have surged 200% in three months, and unpaid bread subsidies have triggered baker strikes. IRGC-controlled conglomerates like Setad and Khatam Base dominate over 50% of the GDP. Public anger is fuelled by scandals, including a $3.7 billion fraud by Debsh Tea. Over 50% of voters boycotted recent elections, showing widespread disillusionment. Movements like 'Women, Life, Freedom' from 2022 persist despite crackdowns. WILL KHARG, HORMUZ BE NEXT? There are fears that Israel could attack Iran's main oil export terminal Kharg Island and the Strait of Hormuz, through which 21 per cent of the world's LNG and 14 million barrels of crude oil daily pass. Earlier, there were fears that Iran would block Hormuz supply line. 'This is a warning shot that Israel is willing to hit Iranian energy infrastructure if Israeli civilians are targeted," said Richard Bronze, head of geopolitics at Energy Aspects, as per The NYT. Analysts warn that if the conflict continues to escalate, Qatar's energy operations and Israel's own infrastructure could also become targets. Both countries play critical roles in energy exports, and any attack could create ripple effects across Asia, Europe, and global supply chains. IMPACT ON US, CHINA In the 1970s, Iran accounted for 10 per cent of the world's oil production. However, after the 1979 revolution, the US crippled the Iranian economy by announcing sweeping sanctions on Tehran. The United States tightened sanctions in 2018 after Trump exited a nuclear accord during his first presidential term. Iran's oil exports fell to nearly zero for some months. China is the biggest importer of Iranian oil. It says it does not recognise sanctions against its trade partners. The main buyers of Iranian oil are Chinese private refiners, some of whom have recently been placed in the US Treasury sanctions list. top videos View all If Israel attacks Iran's oil and gas production, it may also impact China, the United States' biggest strategic and economic rival. Analysts, however, say Saudi Arabia and other OPEC members could compensate for the drop of Iranian supply by using their spare capacity to pump more. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk More Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Israel Iran tension Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 15, 2025, 14:59 IST News explainers Iran Denies Israel's Attack On World's Largest Gas Field: Why South Pars Is Key To Global Energy Ops
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First Post
23 minutes ago
- First Post
Israel attacks world's largest gas field in Iran: What will be the impact?
Iran has been forced to partially shut operations at the South Pars gas field after a fire caused by an Israeli air strike. The South Pars gas field is the biggest in the world. But what do we know about it? What happened? What will be the impact? read more This frame grab taken from Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) shows a refinery in Iran's South Pars gas field after it was struck by an Israeli drone in Kangan. AP Israel has hit the largest gas field in the world. Iran has been forced to partially shut operations at the South Pars gas field after a fire caused by an Israeli air strike. The South Pars gas field is the biggest in the world. But what do we know about the field? What happened? What will be the impact? Let's take a closer look What happened? First, let's take a brief look at the South Pars gas field. The South Pars gas field is in Iran's southern province of Bushehr. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Located in the middle of the Gulf, it is jointly owned by Iran and Qatar (which calls it the North Dome). It spans 9700 square kilometres of which 3,700 square kilometers belongs to Iran. It comprises an oil field and a processing plant. It is thought to hold over 51 trillion cubic meters of natural gas. It holds around 48 per cent of Iran's natural gas reserves. It is responsible for most of Iran's natural gas production – which stands behind only the United States and Russia. A fire resulted as a result of the strike, according to Iranian authorities. People look at fire burning at South Pars gas field, in Tonbak, Bushehr Province, Iran, in this screen grab from a handout video released on June 14, 2025. Reuters The blaze, which occurred in one of the four units of Phase 14 of South Pars, has now been tamped down. It stopped production of 12 million cubic metres of gas. However, the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company said oil refining and storage facilities had not been damaged and continued to operate. Iran produces around 275 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas per year – around 6.5 per cent of global gas output – all of which is consumed domestically due to export restrictions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What will be the impact? This was Israel's first direct attack on Iran's oil and gas infrastructure. It marks a significant escalation in the conflict between the two nations. Analysts are worried about the possible fallout. 'This is probably the most important attack on oil and gas infrastructure since Abqaiq,' Jorge Leon, an analyst at Rystad Energy, talking about the 2019 attack on Saudi Arabian oil fields, told Bloomberg. 'This is a warning shot that Israel is willing to hit Iranian energy infrastructure if Israeli civilians are targeted, ' Richard Bronze, head of geopolitics at Energy Aspects, told The New York Times. Oil prices had already surged 14 per cent on Friday after Israel attacked Iran. The price of oil eventually settled seven per cent higher – at $73 (Rs 6,200 per barrel). This fresh attack could push oil prices even higher from tomorrow (June 16). Experts also fear the conflict in West Asia could disrupt the flow of oil to the rest of the world. Iran, which is part of Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), currently produces around 3.3 million barrels per day (bpd). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It exports over 2 million bpd of oil and fuel. 'Israeli action has so far avoided Iranian energy infrastructure, including Kharg Island, the terminal responsible for an estimated 90 per cent of Iran's crude oil exports,' said Ben Hoff, head of commodity research at Societe Generale. 'This raises the possibility that any further escalation could follow an 'energy-for-energy' logic where an attack on one side's oil infrastructure might invite a retaliatory strike on the other's,' Hoff said. With inputs from agencies
Indian Express
31 minutes ago
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After CM Devendra Fadnavis meets Raj Thackeray, Sanjay Raut says Maharashtra politics is now ‘madari ka khel'
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