Aramco shuts refinery after Iranian strike
Saudi Arabia’s state oil giant Aramco temporarily shut its Ras Tanura refinery following an Iranian drone strike on Monday, according to industry sources. The refinery, a key facility with a capacity of 550,000 barrels per day and a major crude export hub, was closed as a precautionary measure, and officials say the situation is under control.
Fire and evacuations reported
The drone strike ignited a fire at the Ras Tanura complex, located along Saudi Arabia’s eastern coast on the Persian Gulf. Social media footage circulated widely, showing the impact of the attack. Workers at Aramco facilities were evacuated, and emergency teams responded to contain the situation.
Rising oil prices and market impact
Brent crude futures surged approximately 10% on Monday following the strike and the broader wave of Iranian retaliatory attacks across the Gulf. Analysts warn that disruptions at key energy facilities could significantly impact global oil markets.
Escalation of Gulf tensions
The strike on Ras Tanura is part of a wider series of Iranian retaliatory attacks targeting multiple countries in the region, including the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. The attacks follow a U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran that killed several top Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian forces have also targeted Israel and U.S. military sites across the Middle East.
Shipping and regional disruption
Iranian strikes have paralyzed major shipping hubs in the UAE and Oman, affecting ports such as Dubai and Duqm. This escalation is raising concerns about energy security, maritime transport, and the stability of Gulf markets.
Reported fire in Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia, following an Iranian drone attack pic.twitter.com/HXdrfLm4Sb
— Türkiye Today (@turkiyetodaycom) March 2, 2026
Also read: Iran attack death toll reaches 555 in US and Israel strikes
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