Explosions occurred in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with authorities reporting the interception of two ballistic missiles fired from Iran.
Missile Interception and Warnings
Residents of Riyadh received mobile alerts warning of a potential aerial threat. The Saudi Ministry of Defense previously announced the interception and destruction of two ballistic missiles targeting the country’s eastern region.
Iranian Threats to Regional Energy Infrastructure
Iran has threatened attacks on energy infrastructure across the Gulf region in response to Israeli strikes on its largest gas field. These represent the first deliberate attacks on fossil fuel production since the start of the conflict.
IRGC Threat of Counterattacks
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly threatened counterattacks on several energy facilities in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar “in the coming hours,” according to state media, targeting their gas facilities at the South Pars field.
Confirmation of Israeli Strike on Iranian Intelligence Minister
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed on Wednesday, March 18th, that Israel conducted an attack on Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmaeil Khatib. Khatib was killed in a nighttime airstrike and was the third high-ranking Iranian official killed in 24 hours.
Previous Attacks and Casualties
Most previous Iranian strikes have targeted eastern Saudi Arabia, near Iran and the location of major Saudi oil installations. While air defenses intercepted most incoming rockets, the attacks resulted in the deaths of at least two migrant workers and an American soldier at Al Kharj air base.
Regular Iranian Attacks on Saudi Arabia
The Gulf Kingdom is regularly targeted by Iranian missile and drone attacks, including some aimed at its large energy installations and the diplomatic district of the capital.
US Spending Comparison
Anne Applebaum writes that, at the current rate of weapons, ammunition, military equipment consumption, and logistical operations, Trump would spend in three months on the Middle East as much as the US spent over three years supporting Ukraine.
Editorial credit: Kamila Cieślik
