Iranian attacks across Gulf continue as major industrial sites hit

As the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran enters its fifth week, Gulf nations have documented a wave of assaults targeting critical industrial infrastructure. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) reported injuries after an Iranian strike damaged a key aluminium plant in Abu Dhabi, with operator Emirates Global Aluminium noting substantial damage.

Aluminium Bahrain confirmed that two staff members were wounded in an Iranian attack on one of the world’s largest aluminium smelting facilities. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility, stating it had used drones and missiles to strike the sites on Saturday in retaliation for U.S. and Israeli attacks on its own industrial plants.

Regional Impact

Iran’s semi-official Mehr news agency cited the aluminium facilities as linked to the American military. This followed Tehran’s accusations that Israel had targeted two steel production sites vital to its economic stability. Meanwhile, Oman is probing “cowardly attacks” after a drone strike injured a foreign worker in its southern port of Salalah, with no group claiming responsibility so far.

Kuwait’s defence ministry reported significant radar damage at its international airport after 15 drones struck the facility. The Gulf states, whose economies and daily life are at risk, stress the importance of their involvement in upcoming peace discussions. However, divisions persist over whether to align more closely with Iran or the U.S. in shaping regional strategy.

Yemen Conflict Escalates

On the same day, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis intensified their conflict, launching a missile barrage against Israeli military targets. The group described the attacks as aimed at “sensitive” sites, vowing to continue operations. Israel confirmed downing two missiles from Yemen, though it provided no evidence of their military role.

Oil and gas prices have already surged due to Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy route between the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Should the Houthis target Red Sea shipping, as they did in support of Hamas during the Gaza war, energy costs could rise further.

Lebanon Struck in New Wave of Violence

Israel continued its strikes in Lebanon, where a targeted attack killed three journalists, including Ali Shoeib of Hezbollah-affiliated Al Manar TV. The Israel Defense Forces labeled him a “terrorist” from the elite Radwan Force, operating under the guise of a journalist for years. No evidence was given to confirm his military involvement, and the deaths of Fatima and Mohamed Ftouni were not addressed.

The World Health Organization reported that nine paramedics were killed in southern Lebanon within 24 hours, bringing the total number of health workers slain in March to 51. These incidents highlight the escalating toll of the conflict on civilian infrastructure and personnel across the region.