Israel hits Iranian petrochemical plant in massive gas field as mediators float ceasefire proposal

Workers remove debris at Tehran's Sharif University of Technology complex that Iranian authorities say was hit early Monday by a U.S.-Israeli strike, in Tehran, Iran, Monday, April 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) 2026-04-06T05:04:14Z ▶ Follow AP’s live updates on the Iran war DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Israel struck a key petrochemical plant at Iran’s massive South Pars natural gas field and killed two paramilitary Revolutionary Guard commanders on Monday, putting into question a new 45-day ceasefire proposal for Tehran and the United States.

Israel said the attack on the gas field was aimed at eliminating a major source of revenue for Iran.

The field is critical to Iran’s electricity production, but the strike appeared to be separate from U.S.

President Donald Trump’s threats to target power plants and bridges if Tehran doesn’t reopen the Strait of Hormuz to all traffic.

Iran’s grip on the strait has caused oil prices to surge and shaken the world economy.

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed what he called “a powerful strike on the largest petrochemical facility in Iran.” The gas field shared with Qatar is the world’s largest and sits under the Persian Gulf.

The White House did not immediately comment.

After Israel’s attack on the field in March, Trump said Israel would not attack it again but warned that if Iran continued striking Qatar’s energy infrastructure, the United States would “massively blow up” the field.

Trump’s deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is set for Monday night Washington time.

Israel threatens Iranian officials as mediators try to buy time Egyptian, Pakistani and Turkish mediators have sent Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S.

Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff a proposal calling for a 45-day ceasefire and the reopening of the strait, two Mideast officials told The Associated Press.

Iran and the U.S. have not responded to the proposal sent late Sunday, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the private negotiations.

In Islamabad, two senior officials said Pakistan’s efforts for a ceasefire are at an advanced stage but “several spoilers and detractors” are trying to sow confusion through disinformation.

They spoke on condition of anonymity because they’re not authorized to speak publicly about the talks.

Read More Meanwhile, explosions boomed in Tehran and low-flying jets could be heard for hours.

Among those killed was the head of intelligence

原文链接: AP News