Trump Unaware of Israeli Attack, Claims No US Involvement
President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday night that the United States had no prior knowledge of Israel’s attack on a large gas field shared by Iran and Qatar.
The operation, dubbed Epic Fury, has already shaken global energy markets, driving gas prices to new highs for the year and lifting liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices significantly. It’s a noteworthy increase—over 50% worldwide. Trump has voiced his reluctance to push forward with infrastructure development, insisting that “it will take years to rebuild.”
According to Trump, Israel appears to be taking a different path.
Qatar Energy statement regarding missile attack on LNG facility
Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Qatar Energy confirmed early on Thursday that in addition to a previous attack in Ras Laffan industrial city that severely damaged the Parle GTL facility, there were more strikes on multiple LNG facilities.
Qatar Energy, the country’s national oil company, also confirmed coordinated strikes on several LNG facilities in the early hours of Thursday. Ras Laffan had been previously attacked by Iran.
Shortly after Qatar Energy’s post, Trump acknowledged on Truth Social that Israel was behind the assault. He claimed his associates were angered enough to “violently attack” and target the South Pars gas field in southern Iran. This particular gas field, noteworthy for being the largest of its kind globally, contributes about 9% of the world’s natural gas supply.
In his comments, Trump reiterated that the U.S. had “no knowledge of this particular attack” and distanced Qatar from any involvement. He warned of potential devastating consequences for the South Pars field if Iran were to retaliate against Qatar.
However, despite Trump’s assertions, Axios international affairs correspondent Barak Ravid reported that, according to senior U.S. and Israeli officials, the United States had authorized the attack in hopes of pressuring Iran.
Contrary to President Trump’s statements, Israeli and U.S. officials said the United States had advance knowledge of the Israeli attack and even authorized it in an effort to pressure Iran. President Trump is changing course after Iran retaliates against Qatar gas fields.
The White House has not responded to inquiries about this matter.
Ravid noted on his post that U.S. officials had indeed known about the attack beforehand and had approved it to exert pressure on Iran.
