Iranian state television reported that parts of the gas facilities located in the South Pars Special Economic Zone in Asaluyeh were hit by "projectiles fired by the American-Zionist enemy".

The South Pars/North Dome mega-field is the largest known gas reserve in the world.

Asked twice by AFP about the allegations, the Israeli military did not respond.

The issue was also not addressed during the evening televised briefing by military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin, whose only comment on the subject was that Israel's military "operates in close coordination with the US military at all levels".

"There are no gaps between us, and the coordination is excellent," Defrin said, adding that cooperation between the two militaries was yielding "many achievements".

Israeli media initially reported the attack, citing Iranian agencies.

Quoting unnamed Israeli sources, some outlets said the strike had been carried out by Israel.

Public broadcaster Kan and the Ynet news site said it was conducted "in coordination with US authorities".

In a social media post Nadav Eyal, a columnist for the Yediot Aharonot daily, cited Israeli sources saying said the attack was "a coordinated warning signal to the Islamic Republic."

It was "meant to make clear that if Iran keeps destabilising the global economy through Hormuz, it will be hit where it gets most, if not all, of its income: the energy sector.

"They say this is only a first signal. If Tehran doesn't get the message, more escalation will follow," he added.

mib-mj-jd/bs/dc

X