ISTANBUL (Azat TV) – Iran has suspended its natural gas exports to Turkey, a move reportedly stemming from an Israeli strike on the critical South Pars gas field last week. The duration of this disruption to a key energy supply for Ankara remains uncertain, according to reports citing individuals familiar with the matter.
South Pars Strike and Gas Flow Disruption
The halt in Iranian gas shipments followed an alleged Israeli strike on the South Pars field on March 18. This field, co-owned by Iran and Qatar, is the world’s largest natural gas reserve. In response to the strike, Iran reportedly launched retaliatory strikes on energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf, including facilities linked to liquefied natural gas production in Qatar. The Turkish Energy Ministry has declined to comment on the situation.
Turkey’s Energy Security Amid Regional Conflict
Last year, Iran supplied approximately 14 percent of Turkey’s natural gas needs, according to data from the Turkish Natural Gas Distributors Association. Despite the current disruption, Turkey’s energy security does not appear immediately threatened. Bloomberg reported, citing sources, that Ankara continues to receive gas from its primary suppliers, Russia and Azerbaijan, and possesses sufficient reserves to manage the supply shortfall.
These developments occur within the context of an escalating regional conflict that began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. The spillover risk for Turkey has been evident, with NATO air defense systems intercepting multiple missiles entering Turkish airspace in recent weeks. Iran has officially denied targeting Turkey, affirming its respect for the country’s sovereignty.
Market Implications and Future Outlook
The suspension of Iranian gas flows could have implications for regional energy markets and Turkey’s overall energy balance. However, no official assessment of these potential impacts has been released by Turkish authorities. The situation underscores the interconnectedness of regional energy infrastructure and the vulnerability of supply chains to geopolitical tensions.
The halt in Iranian gas exports to Turkey highlights the precarious balance of energy security in a region increasingly destabilized by escalating geopolitical conflicts, with critical infrastructure becoming a direct target.