Oil Shock Fears Rise as Ras Tanura Refinery Hit in Suspected Drone Attack

A suspected drone attack has triggered a major fire at the Ras Tanura Aramco oil refinery in Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s largest such facilities. Thick black smoke is seen rising from the Ras Tanura Aramco oil refinery, which has reportedly shut down operations after the strike, described locally as an 'Iranian strike'.

The incident at the Ras Tanura Aramco oil refinery comes amid a sharp rise in suspected Iranian-linked attacks across the Middle East. Explosions are reported in Bahrain and Dubai, while smoke is seen near the United States embassy in Kuwait, adding to concerns over regional security and energy supplies.

Ras Tanura Aramco oil refinery and wider Middle East attacks

A United Kingdom military base in Cyprus was also struck by a suspected drone attack on the previous night, according to a Ministry of Defence spokesperson. The hit on Cyprus occurred just hours after Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that the UK had allowed the United States to use British bases for strikes on Iranian missile sites.

Keir Starmer said the UK would not take part directly in the strikes but confirmed support roles. Keir Starmer said that while the UK will not be directly involved in strikes, "partners in the Gulf have asked us to do more to defend them". The Ras Tanura Aramco oil refinery incident is being viewed in that broader context of intensifying confrontation.

Ras Tanura Aramco oil refinery, Iran, US and Israel strikes

Fighting involving Iran, the United States and Israel has now continued into a third day. The Ras Tanura Aramco oil refinery fire follows a series of attacks, including a reported Iranian missile strike on Sunday that killed nine people in the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh, according to officials.

The Israeli military says it has started hitting Hezbollah targets across Lebanon, while the Ras Tanura Aramco oil refinery blaze deepens energy worries. Strikes around Beirut and in southern Lebanon have killed at least 31 people and injured 149, figures released by the Lebanese health ministry state.

Travel disruption linked to Ras Tanura Aramco oil refinery crisis

Iran’s counter attacks on military bases across the Gulf have affected major transport hubs, alongside the Ras Tanura Aramco oil refinery shutdown. Airports in several states have been disrupted, including in Dubai, which is described as the world’s busiest international hub for passenger traffic.

More than 20,000 travellers are thought to be affected by flight cancellations since United Arab Emirates airports closed on Saturday. The Ras Tanura Aramco oil refinery situation adds to concerns for those stuck. British officials estimate at least 200,000 UK citizens are currently in the Gulf, including residents and visitors.

The Foreign Office has launched a large operation to assist British nationals across the region as the Ras Tanura Aramco oil refinery fire and continuing airstrikes raise risk levels. Officials say around 94,000 people, mostly in Dubai, have already registered their presence on a new online government platform created after the strikes began on Saturday.