Lawmakers press U.S. intelligence officials on Iran war as new strikes jolt oil markets

Israel struck a large gas field in Iran while Iranian strikes damaged a major Qatari fuel hub, triggering volatility in global energy markets with Brent crude oil approaching its 52-week high. The escalating military exchanges have prompted U.S. lawmakers to press intelligence officials on whether the regional conflict will continue to intensify. The strikes underscore how the Middle East conflict is disrupting critical energy infrastructure and raising concerns about sustained oil price volatility affecting consumers and economies worldwide. The damage to key fuel facilities in both Iran and Qatar signals how direct attacks on energy assets—rather than military targets alone—are becoming a central feature of the regional conflict.