Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Luis Skiavone. U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf are taking

material hits in the war on Iran and warning about intensified repercussions. In the latest

action in the region, Iran says Israel attacked its large southern gas field and Tehran vowed

retaliation against energy sites across the Gulf. NPR's Ayah Betrawi has the

latest from Dubai. Immediately after Israel's attack on Iran's South Parse gas field, the Gulf

Arab states of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates issued statements calling it a dangerous escalation.

Qatar said Israel's attack targeted the Iranian side of the underwater gas field the

two countries share. It said the attack is a threat to global energy security and the environment.

The UAE, meanwhile, said the attack exposes civilians, vital facilities, and the environment to direct

risks. Soon after, though, Qatar Energy said its Ruslofen industrial city was hit by missiles,

resulting in fires and extensive damage.

Qatar, one of the world's biggest producers of liquefied natural gas, has already suspended production due to Iranian counterattacks in the war.

And Saudi Arabia says its forces destroyed drones approaching a gas plant in the east on Wednesday, as well as drones aimed at Riyadh's diplomatic quarter,

where the U.S. Embassy has already been hit.

Aya-Beltrawi, NPR News, Dubai.

Senator Mark Wayne Mullen faced tough questions at his confirmation hearing to lead homeland security.

He's been tapped to replace Christy Nome as head of the department that has come under fire for its tactics,

including the deaths of two

protesters in Minneapolis, NPR's Jimenez-Bistillo reports.

He was asked about his initial response to the deadly shooting of 37-year-old Alex

Preti.

He was a U.S. citizen killed by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis.

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