Overnight Drone Attacks on Gulf Countries, Energy Infrastructure in Crosshairs

Islamabad (International Desk) — The ongoing Iran-Israel-US conflict in the Middle East has taken a dangerous turn. In March 2026, a wave of Iranian drone and missile strikes targeted key energy infrastructure across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, and Bahrain. Many of these attacks occurred overnight, hitting critical facilities such as Saudi Aramco’s Ras Tanura refinery, Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG complex, the UAE’s Fujairah oil hub and Shah gas field, and Kuwait’s Mina Al-Ahmadi and Mina Abdullah refineries.7f8a9a
As a result, Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura refinery (capacity 550,000 barrels per day) was shut down as a precaution after drone debris caused fires. QatarEnergy suspended operations at the world’s largest LNG export facility in Ras Laffan, impacting global supplies. In the UAE, repeated strikes on Fujairah triggered large fires in the oil industry zone, disrupting storage and bunkering. Fires and operational halts were also reported at refineries in Kuwait and Bahrain.
Iran has launched thousands of drones and missiles at the region, with reports indicating that 83% targeted Gulf states while only 17% hit Israel directly. Gulf air defense systems intercepted the majority, but falling debris sparked fires and forced precautionary shutdowns. Iran claims the strikes are retaliation for Israeli and US attacks on its own energy sites, while Gulf nations have strongly condemned them as “unacceptable” and a threat to regional stability.
Analysts warn this escalation represents a “worst-case scenario” for global energy markets. Brent crude prices surged over 8%, and natural gas prices reached four-year highs. Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — a chokepoint for nearly 20% of global oil — has been severely disrupted.
Gulf states issued a joint statement demanding Iran immediately halt attacks and reserved the right to self-defense. India and other countries also condemned strikes on energy infrastructure. The situation remains tense, with fears that further escalation could trigger prolonged global economic fallout.