Kumar Bahukhandi
Saudi Arabia is responding strongly to Iran’s attacks (Photo: Instagram/Reuters)
Iran has intensified missile and drone attacks on Gulf countries, including targeting Saudi Arabia’s major Ras Tanura oil refinery. Saudi Arabia has repelled the drone attacks and temporarily shut down the refinery. Officials in Gulf countries are shocked by the intensity of Iran’s attacks.
Iran is continuously targeting Gulf countries in its conflict with the United States and Israel. Iran has attacked several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, and Kuwait, with missiles and drones.
On Monday, Iran fired two drones targeting Saudi Arabia’s oil and gas company Aramco’s Ras Tanura oil refinery. Saudi Arabia shot down the drones, and the refinery was shut down as a precaution. Angered by this attack, Saudi Arabia has now threatened Iran.
According to a report on Saudi Arabia’s news website, Azer News, Saudi officials have condemned the attacks on the Kingdom and neighboring Gulf countries and reiterated their right to self-defense. Saudi officials have also warned Iran, stating that retaliatory measures against Iran are being considered.
Gulf countries are shocked by Iran’s attacks.
Countries that Iran is attacking with missiles and drones, including Saudi Arabia, are surprised by its actions.
When Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in the US-Israeli attacks that began on February 28th, Gulf countries knew Iran would target US military bases in their countries, but they had no idea that it would launch such a massive attack, dropping missiles on oil refineries and airports.
Amichay Stan, diplomatic correspondent for the Israel-based international TV network i24NEWS, said Gulf officials were surprised by the scale of Iran’s retaliation.
In a post on X, he wrote, “I have spoken with senior officials from Gulf countries; they were completely surprised by the intensity of the Iranian attacks. One official told me, ‘We were confident they would retaliate after Ali Khamenei’s death, but this time they are targeting not only military bases but also populated areas.’ This is complete madness, and such attacks from their side are beyond comprehension. Another senior official told me, “Iran is attacking much faster than we thought.”
Iran targets Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura refinery
Saudi Arabia destroyed an Iranian drone mid-air, but its debris fell near the plant, causing a small fire. However, no civilians were injured. Ras Tanura is one of the world’s largest oil refineries and export facilities, and is considered a vital part of the global energy infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia has traditionally been a US ally, relying on it for its security. Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), and US President Donald Trump have a very close business and political relationship. When Trump assumed his second term in 2025, he visited Saudi Arabia on his first foreign trip.
