The United States-Israel war on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory actions have disrupted about one-third of global helium supplies, a gas essential for medical imaging and high-tech manufacturing. The disruption stems from Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Qatar’s energy infrastructure, which forced QatarEnergy to halt liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and cut helium exports by 14 percent annually. Qatar, responsible for roughly a third of global helium output, ships all exports through the strait, now largely inaccessible to vessels linked to the US, Israel, and their allies.

The attacks on Qatar’s Ras Laffan and Mesaieed facilities destroyed about 17 percent of its LNG export capacity, causing an estimated $20 billion in annual losses. With helium extracted as a by-product of LNG, the production halt has tightened global supply chains. South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and China, major buyers of Qatari helium, face potential shortages, while US distributor Airgas has declared force majeure and halved shipments. Market analysts warn that prolonged disruptions could raise helium prices by up to 50 percent.

The shortage threatens MRI operations and semiconductor manufacturing, as helium’s unique cooling properties have no substitute. Although research into helium-free or recycling MRI technologies continues, most systems still depend on liquid helium.