Saudi Arabia’s state oil giant, Saudi Aramco, has suspended operations at its 550,000 barrels-per-day Ras Tanura refinery following a drone strike linked to Iran’s retaliatory actions across the Gulf, according to Reuters.
The Ras Tanura complex, located in the kingdom’s Eastern Province, is one of the Middle East’s largest refineries and a critical crude export terminal. Industry sources said operations were halted as a precaution after the strike, adding that the situation was under control at the time of the shutdown.
The refinery closure comes amid escalating regional tensions after the United States and Israel carried out coordinated strikes on Iranian targets last weekend. Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks across the region, reportedly targeting locations in the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. Saudi authorities said attempted strikes on Riyadh and parts of the eastern region were repelled.
The security situation has disrupted shipping activity in the Gulf, particularly around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which handles about a fifth of global seaborne oil and LNG shipments. Some tankers have delayed transit or reversed course following security advisories.
Oil markets reacted sharply. Brent crude futures rose about 10 per cent on Monday amid fears of supply disruptions.
Regional leaders have called for restraint, warning that prolonged escalation could threaten global energy flows, trade stability, and food security. The situation remains fluid, with further implications for oil markets and geopolitical stability.
