Iran launches drone attack on Saudi Aramco’s Ras Tanura oil refinery; no need for concern, says Saudi

RIYADH: Iran on Monday carried out a drone attack targeting Saudi Aramco’s Ras Tanura oil refinery. Following the attack, operations at some units of the refinery were temporarily suspended. Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defence said that two drones aimed at Ras Tanura were intercepted and destroyed. However, the authorities clarified that the refinery was shut down as a precautionary measure. Ras Tanura is one of the largest oil refineries in the world, with the capacity to process around 5.5 lakh barrels of oil per day.

Saudi officials said that despite the attack, oil supplies from Aramco will not be disrupted. As tensions escalate in the Gulf region, crude oil prices have surged. Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has also been affected.

The conflict in the region intensified after the United States and Israel launched missile strikes on Iran on Saturday. In response, Iran has targeted US military bases and other facilities in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain, in addition to Israel.

In a statement, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry described Iran's action as "cowardly," stating that Saudi territory or airspace would not be allowed to be used for attacks against Iran. The ministry said the attack cannot be justified under any circumstances. Saudi Arabia also summoned Iran's ambassador Alireza Enayati to the kingdom to register its protest.

Meanwhile, heavy casualties have been reported in Iran following Israeli attacks. According to the Red Crescent, at least 555 people have been killed so far. The death toll is expected to rise.