Iranian Attacks Escalate Across Gulf, Killing One in Bahrain
Manama, Bahrain – A widening conflict sparked by recent U.S.-Israeli actions against Iran is escalating rapidly across the Gulf region, with attacks now targeting civilian infrastructure and disrupting global energy supplies. One woman was killed and eight injured in Bahrain’s capital, Manama, on Tuesday, after a residential building was struck by an Iranian missile, according to the country’s Ministry of Interior.
The attack is the latest in a series of strikes launched by Iran against Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates over the past ten days. Bahrain’s Ministry of Health reported Monday that two people, including children, were wounded in a drone attack on the island of Sitra. Bahrain’s air defenses claim to have intercepted and destroyed 102 missiles and 173 drones.
Incoming missile sirens sounded in Dubai, UAE, on Tuesday morning, while Saudi Arabia reported destroying two drones over its oil-rich eastern region. Kuwait’s National Guard said it shot down six drones targeting its northern and southern areas.
The attacks are increasingly focused on energy infrastructure, raising concerns about global oil prices and supply. Bahrain’s Bapco has declared force majeure after strikes hit its energy installations, disrupting its ability to meet supply obligations. Large numbers of drones have also targeted Saudi Arabia’s Shaybah oilfield, which produces one million barrels of oil daily.
Brent crude spiked to nearly $120 a barrel on Monday before settling around $90 on Tuesday – a nearly 24 percent increase since the conflict began on February 28. Iran has also taken steps to impede tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane for 20 percent of the world’s oil.
U.S. President Donald Trump initially suggested the conflict with Iran would be a “short excursion,” but later threatened dramatically increased attacks should Iran attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz. In a social media post, Trump stated the U.S. would respond “TWENTY TIMES HARDER” to any disruption of oil flow through the strait.
A spokesperson for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responded to Trump’s remarks, stating through Iranian state media that “Iran will determine when the war ends.”
Qatar has been forced to halt some of its production due to the escalating attacks and inability to move oil and gas shipments, according to Al Jazeera. The situation remains volatile as regional and international powers attempt to de-escalate the conflict.
