Blaze Erupts at Bahrain’s Major Oil Plant
A massive fire broke out at a key oil refinery in Bahrain’s Maameer area after an Iranian drone strike, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky. The assault targeted BAPCO Energies’ refinery, capable of producing 267,000 barrels of oil daily with storage for 14 million barrels. Bahraini authorities confirmed damage to a refinery unit but said the blaze was eventually controlled.
Iran Escalates Drone and Missile Barrage Across Gulf
The strike was part of a dramatic surge in Iranian military aggression across the Gulf. Bahrain’s defence ministry revealed its forces intercepted 75 ballistic missiles—destroying 65—with 10 missiles hitting their territory. Alongside, 124 drones were detected, with 88 shot down and 36 reaching Bahrain. Sirens echoed nationwide as the unrelenting barrage unfolded.
GCC Nations and EU Condemn Iran’s Attacks
The drone and missile attacks have rocked all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries: Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, and Oman. In response, GCC foreign ministers and EU representatives held emergency video talks. They slammed Tehran’s “unjustifiable” strikes, threatening regional and global security, demanding an immediate halt. The statement warned GCC states “retain the right to take all necessary measures” for self-defence.
Oil Shipping and Production Snarled Amid Rising Tensions
- Since Saturday, nine vessels in Gulf waters have come under attack, including a Bahamas-flagged oil tanker hit near Iraq and another tanker off Kuwait leaking oil after an explosion.
- Iranian drones also struck Azerbaijani soil, injuring four and risking wider conflict.
- About 200 ships remain anchored in Gulf waters, unable to transit the crucial Strait of Hormuz, which handles 20% of the world’s oil and LNG supply.
Iraq slashed oil production by nearly 1.5 million barrels per day due to full storage, while Bahrain and Kuwait’s refineries cut or halted operations. BP evacuated foreign staff from Iraq’s Rumaila field after drone incursions.
Global Powers Respond to Gulf Crisis
US President Donald Trump promised naval escorts and shipping insurance to protect vessels and ease soaring energy prices. Lloyd’s of London confirmed talks with the US government over risk coverage. Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas highlighted European supply shortages for drone defence gear due to Ukraine’s demands, urging faster manufacturing to bolster capabilities.
GCC and EU ministers stressed diplomatic efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its ballistic missile and drone programmes, vowing joint action to stabilise the volatile region.
