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Drones landed near Dubai International Airport on Wednesday, injuring four people, while several ships were struck in or around the Strait of Hormuz as Iran intensified attacks disrupting oil markets and regional air and sea traffic.
The oil-rich Gulf region has taken the brunt of the assaults, which Tehran says are in response to strikes by the United States and Israel that triggered the ongoing Middle East conflict. While Iran has targeted US-linked facilities, civilian infrastructure has also been affected.
Iran has also focused on energy infrastructure across the Gulf and attempted to restrict shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage that normally carries nearly 20 percent of global oil supply, causing sharp fluctuations in global oil prices.
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a container ship and a bulk carrier were struck by unidentified projectiles off the United Arab Emirates coast — one near Dubai and another close to the northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
UKMTO also reported that a third vessel was hit by a projectile off the coast of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz. The strike sparked a fire on board, which was later brought under control.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia said it intercepted drones targeting the strategic Shaybah oil field, while explosions were heard in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates reported fresh attacks.
Saudi authorities also announced that seven ballistic missiles aimed at its eastern region and the Prince Sultan Air Base were intercepted. The base previously recorded a fatality on March 1 when an American service member was killed.
Analysts say Tehran appears to be attempting to disable key Gulf refineries while tightening pressure on the Strait of Hormuz in a move designed to inflict maximum damage on the global economy.
In recent days, major energy facilities have also been targeted, including the Ras Tanura Refinery and the Ruwais Refinery, both among the largest refining complexes in the region.
- The attacks have already forced QatarEnergy, one of the world’s largest producers of liquefied natural gas, to halt production and declare force majeure. Energy producers in Kuwait have issued similar notices, warning that circumstances beyond their control could prevent them from meeting export commitments.
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