Saudi Aramco temporarily shut its Ras Tanura refinery after Iranian drones targeted the facility. Ras Tanura stands as one of the kingdom’s most vital refining hubs. The strike has heightened fears of wider disruption across the Gulf’s energy network. Aramco has not yet issued an official statement. However, Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry said forces intercepted two drones aimed at the site.
The attack comes during severe stress in global oil markets. Crude prices have surged to their highest level in four years. Tensions around Iran have slowed shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The narrow waterway handles nearly 20 percent of global daily oil flows. Iran has not formally closed the route. Still, several shipowners have halted transits due to security risks.
Brent crude climbed to $80 a barrel in early trade. Traders are pricing in fresh supply risks from the Gulf. The conflict escalated after the United States and Israel struck targets across Iran. Tehran responded with attacks on Israel and US-linked sites in the region.
Saudi Arabia condemned the strikes as unjustified and summoned Iran’s ambassador in Riyadh.
