Gulf Tensions Escalate as Energy Sites Targeted in Iran–Israel Conflict

As the conflict between the United States–Israel and Iran enters its third week, tensions across West Asia and the Gulf region have reached a peak.

Amid this, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) reported a drone attack on its Mina Al Ahmadi oil refinery on Friday.

According to a statement shared on KPC’s official social media platform X, the early morning drone strike caused fires in multiple units of the refinery. As a precaution, some sections of the facility have been shut down. The company confirmed that there were no casualties and emergency teams are working to control the fire.

In recent days, attacks targeting energy infrastructure across West Asia have intensified. Reports indicate that on Wednesday night, Israel struck Iran’s South Pars gas field.

In retaliation, Iran attacked Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, causing significant damage, according to Qatar’s defense ministry. On Thursday, a ballistic missile launched by Iran also hit a major oil refinery in Haifa, northern Israel, CNN reported.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia said it intercepted and destroyed four drones in its airspace as the security situation continues to deteriorate.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi issued a strong warning to Israel, stating that Iran has so far used only a small portion of its capabilities. Writing on X, he said, “Our restraint was out of respect for calls to de-escalate tensions. But if our infrastructure is attacked again, we will adopt a policy of zero tolerance.”

He also stressed that any end to the conflict must address damage to civilian sites. The ongoing exchange of missile strikes and military actions between Iran and Israel has raised serious concerns over global energy supply and security.