Watch: Saudi Aramco oil refinery, one of the Middle East’s largest hubs, hit by Iranian drone
Times of India
by TOI WORLD DESKMarch 2, 2026
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Saudi Aramco’s Ras Tanura refining facility in Saudi Arabia was struck by debris from an intercepted Iranian drone on Monday, according to a Saudi military spokesman. The attack, which occurred as tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran escalate following the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, has raised concerns over oil supply stability. While the initial fire at the facility was reported as small and contained, the incident prompted the shutdown of the facility, heightening global anxieties about energy supplies.
The conflict appears to be spiraling out of control, with Iran launching a series of retaliatory attacks across the Middle East. These include missile strikes and drone attacks targeting US military bases and allied facilities in countries such as Bahrain, Dubai, Doha, Manama, and Oman’s commercial port of Duqm. Meanwhile, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint for global oil trade—has been severely disrupted following similar incidents over the weekend.
The escalation began after the United States and Israel carried out a targeted operation that resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader. In response, Iran has conducted widespread attacks, including missile strikes on Salman Port in Bahrain, which it claims was being used to transport American logistical equipment for potential strikes on Iran. Additionally, most oil production in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region was halted over the weekend as a precautionary measure.
This ongoing conflict has significant implications for global energy markets and regional security. The shutdown of Aramco’s facility adds to concerns about disruptions to oil supplies, which could lead to price volatility in an already strained market. The situation underscores the fragile state of relations between Iran and its adversaries, with both sides escalating their actions in a manner that threatens to further destabilize the region.
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Originally published on Times of India on 3/2/2026