Among the reported targets was the Saudi Aramco Ras Tanura refining facility in eastern Saudi Arabia — one of the world’s largest oil export hubs and a critical artery in global crude supply chains.
Multiple media outlets, including Russia’s RT, Iran’s Press TV, and Israel-based i24NEWS, reported that a drone strike hit the Ras Tanura complex.
According to The Jerusalem Post, a small and isolated fire broke out at the facility following the strike but was later brought under control. Reuters, citing a Semafor journalist who referenced unnamed sources, reported that the site was temporarily closed as a precaution. The blaze was described as limited in scale and has since been contained.
Strike on Bahrain Port
Iran’s Press TV also reported a missile strike on Salman Port in Bahrain. Iranian media claimed the port had been used to transport American logistical equipment intended for operations against Iran, though independent confirmation of that claim was not immediately available.
IRGC Statement: “Operation True Promise”
In a statement, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) provided an update on what it described as “Operation True Promise.” The statement declared that “the tenth wave opened massive gates of fire upon the occupied territories with a maneuver of Khaibar missiles.”
Iranian state media circulated additional images on Telegram, including one allegedly showing an American F-15 pilot whose aircraft was said to have crashed in Kuwait earlier on Monday. Press TV captioned the image: “American pilot after his fighter jet crashed in Kuwait.” No official confirmation from U.S. authorities was immediately available regarding the claim.
Iranian outlets also released visuals purportedly depicting a large drone fleet and strikes on what they described as U.S.–Israeli targets across the region.
Gulf Reaction: “Completely Shocked”
Amichai Stein, diplomatic correspondent for i24NEWS, said Gulf officials were taken aback by the scale and intensity of Iran’s response.
In a post on X, Stein wrote that senior officials in Gulf states were “completely shocked by the intensity of the Iranian fire.” He quoted one official as saying, “We were certain that after the elimination of Khamenei they would respond, but right now they're aiming at population centers, not just military facilities; this is completely insane and this is conduct that makes no sense on their part.”
Another senior Gulf official reportedly described the developments as “way beyond what we thought would happen.”
The latest escalation follows a full-scale confrontation that began on February 28, intensifying an already volatile regional security landscape.
Saudi Arabia Condemns Attack
Saudi Arabia strongly condemned Iran’s missile and drone strikes, joining a unified statement issued Sunday by the United States and several Gulf nations.
The joint declaration was also backed by Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, underscoring growing regional alignment against Tehran’s actions.
Current Situation in Saudi Arabia
As of Monday evening, the Ras Tanura refining facility had been temporarily shut down following the reported drone strike. The fire has been contained, and there were no immediate reports of casualties.
Given Ras Tanura’s strategic importance in global oil exports, any prolonged disruption could have significant implications for international energy markets, though officials have indicated the situation remains under control.
