Arab Gulf Conflict Escalates as Oil Tanker Hit by Iranian Missile
A port in Oman and an oil tanker off its coast were attacked on Sunday, marking the first assault on the nation serving as a mediator for United States-Iran talks since Iran launched its retaliatory campaign.
Iran is retaliating against the United States and Israel for attacks launched since Saturday that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Prior to the Oman attack, explosions had already occurred in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Doha in Qatar, Manama in Bahrain, and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.
“A security source reported that the commercial port of Duqm became the target of two drones,” stated Oman’s news agency in a social media post. “One drone struck mobile worker accommodation, injuring a foreign worker, whilst wreckage from the other drone landed near a fuel tank, causing no casualties or material damage,” it added.
Shortly thereafter, Oman announced that an oil tanker was targeted off its coast. The ship’s crew was evacuated with four crew members injured.
The Sunday attack followed a deadly strike that killed two civilians in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi. Iran targeted not only US military bases but also civilian infrastructure throughout the Gulf.
UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash condemned Tehran, calling the attacks on Gulf states a miscalculation that isolates Iran at a critical moment. “Your war is not with your neighbours,” Gargash stated. “Return to reason, to your surroundings, and face your neighbours rationally and responsibly before the circle of isolation and escalation widens,” he added.
According to the Defence Ministry, Iran fired 137 missiles and 209 drones at targets across the UAE. Fires and smoke were visible at landmarks including The Palm waterfront development and the Burj Al Arab hotel.
In Qatar, where the largest US military base in the region is located, officials stated that Iran launched 65 missiles and 12 drones towards the Gulf nation. Most were intercepted but eight people were injured, with one in critical condition.
Regional analysts assess that Gulf states have now become the war’s primary target. Though supporting de-escalation and diplomacy, their commitment is being tested.
“Gulf states are currently truly on the front line of this brutal war,” said Gulf security analyst Anna Jacobs. “Gulf states, as usual, wish to support de-escalation and diplomacy. But these commitments and principles are being tested right now. If Iran continues to attack these states and escalates further, it will be extremely difficult for them to simply sit back and do nothing.”
The oil and gas-rich Arab kingdoms, located directly across the Gulf from Iran, are longtime American allies and host a number of US military bases.