Iran launched two waves of drone attacks on the Mina Al-Ahmadi oil refinery in Kuwait early Friday, igniting fires and damaging one of the Middle East’s largest refining facilities. The site processes up to 730,000 barrels per day.
Bahrain reported a warehouse fire from shrapnel after intercepting an incoming projectile, while Saudi Arabia shot down multiple drones targeting its Eastern Province. Explosions shook Dubai during Eid al-Fitr celebrations as air defenses engaged incoming fire.
Iran confirmed it continues ballistic missile production despite weeks of U.S. and Israeli strikes that have killed top leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. New leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to deny enemies their security.
Gen. Ali Mohammad Naeini, a Revolutionary Guard spokesman, declared missile production ongoing-even during war-before being killed in an airstrike hours after his statement.
The conflict, escalating since February 28, has claimed over 1,300 lives in Iran, displaced more than a million in Lebanon, and killed 15 U.S. military personnel. Israel says it has eliminated key Iranian leadership and crippled missile and naval capabilities-a claim contested by Tehran.
Brent crude surged to $107 per barrel, up 47% since the war began, amid fears of a global energy crisis. Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz-through which 20% of global oil passes-amplifies economic disruption, affecting supply chains from fertilizers to semiconductors.