Potential Escalation: Envoy Details Possible Oil Infrastructure Strikes

Israel May Target Iran’s Oil Infrastructure if Energy Revenues Fund Military Operations: Ambassador​

Israel Signals Possible Expansion of Targets in Iran Conflict​

Israel could consider targeting Iran’s oil infrastructure if revenues from the energy sector continue to finance Tehran’s military operations, Israel’s Ambassador to India Reuven Azar said in an interview, signaling the possibility of a broader escalation in the ongoing conflict.

Speaking to CNBC-TV18, Azar said Israel’s military campaign so far has focused primarily on weakening Iran’s military capabilities, including missile and drone infrastructure. According to him, joint operations carried out by the United States and Israel have significantly affected Iran’s defense systems.

“We have seen the complete destruction of their military industry and the degradation of their ability to launch missiles and drones,” Azar said.

Focus So Far on Military Targets​

Azar stated that Israel has so far concentrated on facilities directly linked to Iran’s military operations. He emphasized that the campaign has targeted infrastructure that supports Iranian military forces.

“We are targeting military targets and infrastructure that serve their military forces,” Azar said while responding to accusations from Iran that civilian infrastructure had been struck.

However, he indicated that the scope of targets could expand if oil revenues continue to fund Iran’s war effort.

“If this regime continues to use the resources that they get from oil in order to fuel their military machinery, it would be reasonable that we would target them as well,” he said, referring to the possibility of strikes on Iran’s oil infrastructure.

Concerns Over Strait of Hormuz and Energy Supply​

Azar also addressed concerns that the conflict could disrupt global energy supplies, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.

A significant portion of global oil exports passes through the strategic waterway, making it a critical chokepoint for international energy markets. However, the Israeli envoy said his country believes Iran lacks the capability to block global energy flows for an extended period.

“The question is whether the Iranians have the capability to curb the supply of energy for an unlimited period. We believe that’s not the case,” Azar said.

He added that the United States has the military strength to ensure that global energy routes remain open if tensions escalate further.

Global Markets Closely Monitoring Developments​

Financial markets worldwide are closely watching developments in the conflict due to the potential impact on energy supply chains.

Nearly a fifth of the world’s oil trade moves through the Strait of Hormuz, making any instability in the region a major concern for global energy markets.

Israel Says Operation Aims to Prevent Larger Threat​

Azar argued that the economic repercussions of the ongoing military campaign are significantly smaller than the risks posed by a heavily armed Iranian regime.

“The repercussions of this operation are nothing compared to what the region and the world would suffer if this regime had a military nuclear arsenal and tens of thousands of ballistic missiles,” he said.

According to the ambassador, such capabilities could enable Iran to expand its influence across the region and destabilize neighboring countries.

“They would be able to terrorise the entire region and curb the development of their neighbours by imposing their will on them,” he added.

Impact on India and Regional Stability​

The envoy also highlighted the wider economic implications for countries such as India. Millions of Indians live and work across the Gulf region, while India’s trade ties with West Asia are closely linked to regional stability.

“If this regime had those capabilities, the future of millions of Indians in the Gulf and Indian trade with West Asia would be undermined,” Azar said.

He added that Israel believes its military campaign is not only aimed at defending itself but also at maintaining broader regional stability.

“By defending ourselves, what Israel is doing is also giving a great service to the region and to the world because we are removing the capability of this regime to continue terrorising the region,” Azar said.

Conflict Timeline Depends on Iran’s Response​

While the conflict could continue for several weeks, Azar indicated that the duration will depend largely on Iran’s response and whether diplomatic pressure from the international community leads to a shift in Tehran’s position.