Iranian Drones Target Saudi Aramco’s Ras Tanura Refinery Amid Gulf Tensions

Iranian drones struck facilities linked to Saudi Aramco at the Ras Tanura refinery, intensifying concerns over the security of energy infrastructure in the Gulf.

The strike on Ras Tanura, one of Saudi Arabia’s key refining hubs, comes amid escalating hostilities in the region. While Aramco has not issued an official statement, a spokesperson for the Saudi defence ministry told Al Arabiya that two drones targeting the facility were intercepted.

The attack has added to volatility in global oil markets. Crude prices have recorded their sharpest four year surge as the widening Iran conflict disrupts shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway that carries nearly one fifth of the world’s daily oil supply.

Although Tehran has not formally closed the route, several shipowners have suspended transit due to security concerns. The resulting bottleneck has raised fears of tighter supplies in a market already facing rising demand.

Brent crude climbed to 80 dollars a barrel in early trade as traders factored in fresh supply risks from the Gulf.

The conflict entered a more volatile phase over the weekend after the United States and Israel launched missile strikes on targets across Iran. Tehran responded with a series of attacks on Israel and on US military bases and other sites in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain.

Saudi Arabia Condemns Attacks

Saudi Arabia said it had repelled what it described as Iranian attacks targeting areas around Riyadh and locations in the eastern region of the kingdom.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry condemned the strikes and said they could not be justified under any circumstances. Riyadh reiterated that its territory and airspace were not being used for military operations against Iran.

Saudi authorities also summoned Iran’s ambassador to the kingdom, Alireza Enayati, in Riyadh in connection with the strikes.

Energy markets are now bracing for prolonged instability. Analysts warn that sustained disruption to Gulf exports could tighten global supplies and renew inflationary pressure worldwide.