Firefighters battled a major blaze at Kuwait’s Mina Al-Ahmadi Refinery on Friday following a fresh wave of drone strikes linked to Iran, as tensions escalated across the Gulf region.
The attack came a day after a strike on Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar, raising fears over the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure. European leaders had earlier urged restraint and warned against targeting oil and gas facilities.
Iran’s actions follow an alleged Israeli strike that damaged its South Pars Gas Field—a key source of domestic energy and part of the world’s largest gas reserve. In response, Tehran vowed retaliation, maintaining that its missile production remains unaffected despite ongoing attacks.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the conflict could end sooner than expected, asserting that Iran’s military capabilities had been significantly weakened. However, Iranian officials rejected the claim, insisting their defence systems remain intact.
An Iranian Revolutionary Guards spokesman, Ali Mohammad Naini, stated that missile production continues uninterrupted even under wartime conditions. Shortly after his remarks were published, reports emerged that he had been killed in joint U.S.-Israeli strikes.
The conflict has heightened concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route through which roughly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows. Any disruption could have far-reaching economic consequences.
Missile activity was also reported across the region. Explosions were heard over Jerusalem, while the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia confirmed intercepting multiple aerial threats. The attacks coincided with Eid al-Fitr celebrations, deepening anxiety across affected populations.
Energy markets reacted sharply, with Brent crude hovering around $108 per barrel amid fears of prolonged disruption. Analysts warn that sustained damage to infrastructure could trigger long-term global economic shocks.
