Massive Fire Rips Through Bahrain’s Key Oil Refinery After Iranian Drone Strike
A massive blaze tore through Bahrain’s crucial oil refinery in Maameer following a daring Iranian drone attack. Thick black smoke billowed into the sky as flames engulfed a vital unit at BAPCO Energies’ facility, which churns out 267,000 barrels daily and stores up to 14 million barrels.
Bahraini officials confirmed damage but said firefighters eventually brought the fire under control.
Iran Launches Heavy Drone and Missile Assault Across Gulf
The refinery strike is part of a fierce new drone and missile offensive by Iran across the Gulf region. Bahrain’s defence ministry reported intercepting 75 ballistic missiles, blasting down 65, while 10 missiles slammed into Bahraini territory.
Meanwhile, 124 drones swarmed the area—88 were shot out of the sky, but 36 managed to reach their targets. Sirens rang out nationwide amid the relentless assault.
GCC and EU Slam Iran’s “Unjustifiable” Attacks
All six Gulf Cooperation Council countries—Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, and Oman—have been rocked by the attacks. In an emergency video summit, GCC foreign ministers and EU officials condemned Tehran’s reckless strikes that threaten regional and global stability.
“We demand an immediate halt to these provocations,” the statement read. “GCC states retain the right to take all necessary measures for self-defence.”
Oil Shipping and Production Hit Hard as Gulf Tensions Surge
- Since Saturday, nine ships in the Gulf faced attacks, including a Bahamas-flagged oil tanker near Iraq and another near Kuwait leaking oil after an explosion.
- Iranian drones also struck Azerbaijan, injuring four and raising fears of wider conflict.
- Some 200 vessels remain stuck in Gulf waters, unable to pass through the vital Strait of Hormuz, responsible for 20% of the world’s oil and LNG supply.
In the chaos, Iraq cut oil production by nearly 1.5 million barrels per day due to full storage, while Bahrain and Kuwait’s refineries scaled back or halted operations. BP evacuated foreign workers from Iraq’s Rumaila field after drone attacks.
Global Powers Rally Amid Gulf Crisis
US President Donald Trump vowed naval escort missions and shipping insurance to shield vessels and ease soaring fuel prices. Lloyd’s of London confirmed talks with Washington about risk coverage.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas flagged Europe’s supply shortages for drone defence gear, hit by demands from the Ukraine war, and called for ramped-up production to strengthen regional defences.
GCC and EU ministers pledged to ramp up diplomatic pressure to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions and missile programs, working together to steady the volatile Gulf region.
