Iran launches wave of missile & drone attacks across Gulf, damaging energy facilities

Iran launches wave of missile & drone attacks across Gulf, damaging energy facilities

Vinita Bhat

Iranian missiles and drones have continued to target several Gulf states, disrupting oil infrastructure and forcing the closure of regional airspace. Bahrain’s state-owned energy company, Bapco, declared force majeure after its refinery was struck during the latest wave of attacks. 

The strikes come amid escalating tensions following US and Israeli military action against Iran since late February. Gulf countries have reported multiple interceptions of incoming missiles and drones, while oil production and shipping operations have been affected. Civilian areas have also been hit, raising fears that the conflict could further destabilise the wider Middle East.

Iranian missile and drone strikes have intensified across the Gulf, damaging energy facilities and threatening regional oil supply routes.

Bahrain’s state-owned oil company, Bapco, announced a force majeure on its operations on Monday after its refinery complex caught fire following an Iranian attack. In a statement, the company said the measure applied to group operations affected by the escalating conflict and the strike on its refinery.

The attack is part of a wider wave of Iranian retaliation against US assets located across Gulf states. Tehran says the strikes respond to attacks carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran since February 28.

Oil infrastructure across the region has been placed on high alert. Saudi Arabia reported intercepting four drones heading towards the Shaybah oilfield, one of the kingdom’s key energy facilities. Gulf airspace has also been temporarily shut in several areas as authorities respond to the security threat.

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