Iran Strikes Gulf Energy Facilities, Oil Soars

Iran launched a new wave of missile and drone strikes on energy installations across the Gulf, including Bahrain's Al Ma'ameer oil facility, causing a fire and damage. This led BAPCo, Bahrain's state-owned energy firm, to declare force majeure, a step also taken by energy producers in Qatar and Kuwait. Other Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates also reported new attacks. These strikes are a retaliation for a massive aerial campaign against Iran by the United States and Israel. The escalating conflict has caused global oil prices to soar to their highest levels since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, and Asian stock markets to plunge. The United States also ordered non-emergency embassy staff to leave Saudi Arabia due to safety risks, following drone attacks on its diplomatic missions in the region. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned of further responses if neighboring territories are used to attack Iran. The conflict has resulted in 21 deaths in the Gulf, including civilians and US service members.