In a major escalation of the regional war, Israel has launched a series of coordinated airstrikes against Iranian oil facilities, hitting refineries, storage terminals and export hubs in the most direct blow yet to Tehran’s economic lifeline, defence sources say.

Just after 2:00 a.m. local time, residents in southern Iran reported massive explosions near the Kharg Island terminal, the Abadan refinery and key pumping stations in Khuzestan province. Phone videos show towering fireballs and thick black smoke billowing into the night sky, with shockwaves felt kilometres from the impact sites.

The IDF says its jets and long‑range drones targeted “only nodes of Iran’s war machine” that feed its military and proxy budgets. Israeli officials claim several storage tanks and at least one vital export pier were “severely damaged” or destroyed, and that secondary fires continue to rage at multiple locations.

Iranian state media acknowledges “enemy attacks” but accuses Israel of “economic terrorism” aimed at civilians. Port authorities in the south report dozens of casualties among workers and security staff, and have ordered an immediate halt to all tanker loadings as emergency crews struggle to contain the blazes.

Global energy markets have reacted instantly, with benchmark crude prices spiking as traders fear a sustained shutdown of Iranian exports could disrupt world supplies. US officials, while publicly calling for “measured responses,” privately admit they were briefed on the strikes but did not participate.

As smoke from burning oil facilities hangs over the Gulf and Tehran vows “a response that will shake the foundations of the Zionist entity,” diplomats warn the conflict has now moved from a missile duel into an all‑out energy war — a shift that could have global consequences for everyone.