Iran launched attacks on countries in the Persian Gulf, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, targeting oil refineries and energy facilities on April 19th.
Iranian Strikes and Interceptions
Residents in targeted areas received warnings of aerial threats. Saudi Defense Ministry spokesperson, Brigadier General Turki Al-Malki, reported intercepting and destroying four ballistic missiles aimed at Riyadh, with debris scattering across the capital without causing casualties or damage.
Authorities also announced the interception of a drone in the Al-Kharj governorate.
Explosions and Damage in Saudi Arabia and Qatar
Explosions were reported in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A fire broke out at Ras Laffan in Qatar, home to the world’s largest LNG production facility, following the Iranian attack. QatarEnergy confirmed no injuries resulted from the incident.
Response and Damage Control
“Rescue teams were immediately dispatched to control the fires that broke out, as significant damage occurred. All employees have been accounted for, and no casualties have been reported so far,” stated the company.
Kuwait Deals with Falling Debris
Kuwait’s Interior Ministry reported that explosive ordnance disposal teams handled 17 reports of falling debris in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of reports to 421. Sirens were activated 94 times.
Iran’s Retaliation Threat
Iran has threatened attacks on energy infrastructure throughout the Gulf region in retaliation for Israeli strikes on its South Pars gas field, marking the first direct attacks on fossil fuel production since the start of the conflict.
Revolutionary Guard Warnings
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard reportedly threatened counterattacks on several energy facilities in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar “in the coming hours,” according to state media, claiming missiles were aimed at their gas facilities at the South Pars field.
Confirmation of Israeli Strike on Iranian Official
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed on Wednesday, March 18th, that Israel carried out an attack on Iranian intelligence minister Esmaeil Khatib, who was killed in a nighttime raid. Khatib was the third high-ranking Iranian official killed in 24 hours.
Previous Attacks and Casualties
Most previous Iranian strikes targeted eastern Saudi Arabia, near Iran and major Saudi oil installations. While air defenses intercepted most incoming missiles, the attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least two migrant workers and one American soldier at Al Kharj air base.
Ongoing Threats to Gulf Kingdoms
Gulf kingdoms regularly face Iranian missile and drone attacks, including those targeting their large energy installations and the diplomatic district of the capital.
US Spending Comparison
At the current rate of weapons, ammunition, military equipment consumption, and logistical operations, Trump would spend as much in three months in the Middle East as the US spent over three years supporting Ukraine.