Riyadh accuses Iran: missile raids and drones threaten the stability of the Gulf and energy markets

Saudi Arabia has launched a harsh j'accuse against Iran, calling the missile and drone strikes that have hit the kingdom and its Gulf neighbors "reprehensible", in an escalation that threatens regional stability and global energy markets.

Riyadh's furious reaction to Iranian attacks

The Saudi Foreign Ministry has issued an official statement on its X account, renewing its "categorical condemnation" of the "Iranian aggressions" against the Kingdom, members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Arab and Islamic countries, and friendly nations. "Such acts cannot be accepted or justified under any circumstances," the text states, emphasizing the danger to regional security.

Last night, the Riyadh Defense Ministry announced that it had thwarted a drone attack against the Shaybah oil field in the east of the country near the border with the United Arab Emirates. "Four drones were intercepted and destroyed", the statement specifies, potentially avoiding catastrophic damage to a key site for crude oil exports.

Wave of attacks in the Gulf: UAE and Bahrain in the crosshairs

The United Arab Emirates confirmed a missile attack last night, with air defense systems responding promptly, as reported by the National Emergency and Disaster Management Center on X. Iran continues its campaign of raids in the Gulf, fueling fears of an open war.

In Bahrain, an attack struck the Al Maameer oil facility, causing a fire and material damage, but no casualties. The Bahrain News Agency described the event as an "Iranian aggression", with firefighting teams already at work. Shortly after, the state company Bapco declared a "force majeure" on its operations, affected by the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict, a signal that could impact oil prices.

Israel takes action: raids on Isfahan and Beirut

The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) claimed precise strikes in the Iranian city of Isfahan, targeting the command centers of the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij forces, a rocket engine production facility, and missile launch sites. This was reported by the Times of Israel, highlighting the role of military intelligence.

On the same night, a new wave of attacks targeted "regime infrastructure" in central Iran, the first announcement of its kind following the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader. Previously, the IDF had struck the area of Beirut, targeting the Hezbollah group.

Economic impacts and global risks

These developments risk triggering a spike in energy prices, with the Gulf providing about 30% of the world's oil. The major force of Bapco and attacks on strategic fields like Shaybah could accelerate global inflation, while Western powers monitor closely.