Iran’s Attacks on the Gulf Are Leaving Scars That Won’t Fade The Gulf region, once a place of relative stability, now finds itself grappling with the echoes of a conflict that has rekindled fears reminiscent of the 2003 Iraq War. For Sinem Cengiz, a researcher based in Doha and born in Kuwait, the parallels between past and present are stark. Growing up during the 2003 invasion, she recalls the chaos of missile strikes, the scent of smoke in the air, and the unspoken dread that accompanied every moment. Two decades later, the same anxieties have resurfaced, this time triggered by Iranian attacks on Gulf states. The memories of 2003 are etched deeply in the collective consciousness of the Gulf. On March 17, 2003, Kuwaiti schools abruptly closed as the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq loomed. Students were told to stay home, and emergency drills for missile attacks became a grim reality. Teachers trained families on how to respond to sirens, how to seal windows, and how to prepare for the worst. The fear was not just of physical harm but of the unknown—chemical or biological weapons that could turn the skies into a battlefield. The current crisis, however, is unfolding in a different context. On February 28, 2026, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states faced a new wave of attacks. Iranian missiles and drones targeted not only military bases but also civilian infrastructure, including airports, hotels, and oil facilities. The United Arab Emirates bore the brunt of the strikes, followed by Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. Casualties emerged, and the region’s once-unified front against external threats now faces internal fractures. For Cengiz, the repetition of these events is both unsettling and inevitable.#iran #united_arab_emirates #kuwait #gulf_cooperation_council #sinem_cengiz

Iran launches attacks on Kuwaiti oil refinery as Israel escalates strikes on Tehran Drones struck Kuwait’s largest oil refinery for the second consecutive day, igniting fires across multiple units at the Mina al-Ahmadi facility, which processes approximately 730,000 barrels of oil daily. The attack coincided with Kuwaitis celebrating Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan. Kuwait’s national oil company reported several units were shut down, though no casualties were confirmed. The country’s military confirmed active interception of incoming missile and drone threats. The strikes are part of an Iranian campaign targeting Gulf Arab states, reportedly in retaliation for an Israeli strike on Iran’s South Pars gasfield, the country’s primary natural gas source. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also claimed attacks on U.S. forces at the UAE’s al-Dhafra airbase and sites within Israel. The UAE reported missile and drone threats, while Bahrain noted shrapnel from what it called “Iranian aggression” caused a warehouse fire. Saudi Arabia stated its forces intercepted and destroyed over a dozen drones within two hours. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that the attacks on Gulf infrastructure represented only a fraction of Iran’s capabilities, vowing “zero restraint” if its own energy facilities faced further strikes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Israel acted independently in targeting South Pars and stated it would halt further attacks on energy infrastructure at the request of U.S. President Donald Trump, who had distanced himself from the strike. Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG terminal, the world’s largest, suffered severe damage in Iranian attacks, erasing roughly 17% of global LNG supply and costing an estimated $20 billion in annual revenue.#iran #israel #strait_of_hormuz #iranian_revolutionary_guard_corps #kuwait

ईंधन संकट और भारत की चुनौतियां: एक विश्लेषण संकट के कारण: स्ट्रेट ऑफ़ होर्मुज़ के बंद होने के कारण वैश्विक ईंधन आपूर्ति पर गंभीर प्रभाव पड़ रहा है। इस जलडमरू के माध्यम से दुनिया के 20% ईंधन गुजरता है, जिसमें भारत के अधिकांश तेल आयात के लिए निर्भर है। इरान-इराक युद्ध के कारण इस रास्ते पर आवाजाही बाधित हो गई है, जिसके कारण भारत के ईंधन आपूर्ति में वृद्धि हो रही है। भारत के ईंधन आयात के आंकड़े: भारत के लगभग 2.5 से 2.7 मिलियन बैरल प्रतिदिन ईंधन स्ट्रेट ऑफ़ होर्मुज़ से आता है, जो इराक, सऊदी अरब, संयुक्त अरब अमीरात और कुवैत से आता है। रूस से आयात करके इस आपूर्ति के कुछ हिस्से की भरपाई की जा सकती है। मार्च में रूस से आयात लगभग 1 से 1.2 मिलियन बैरल प्रतिदिन तक पहुंच सकती है, जिससे भारत की वास्तविक कमी कम हो सकती है। सरकार के उपाय: रूस और अन्य देशों से ईंधन आयात बढ़ाई गई है। ईंधन आपूर्ति के लिए विशेष आवंटन और बाजार नियंत्रण के उपाय किए गए हैं। कमर्शियल एलपीजी की समस्या: घरेलू एलपीजी की आपूर्ति में कमी के कारण रेस्तरां, होटल और छोटे व्यवसाय प्रभावित हो रहे हैं। ब्लैक मार्केटिंग के कारण ईंधन की कमी बढ़ रही है, जिसके चलते राजनीतिक आंदोलन भी शुरू हो गए हैं। राजनीतिक चुनौतियां: समाजवादी पार्टी के सांसद डिंपल यादव ने सरकार पर आरोप लगाया कि वह ईंधन संकट के बारे में नहीं बोल रही है। अयोध्या में राम रसोईयां बंद हो गई हैं, जिसे राम के नाम पर चलने वाले व्यवसायों के लिए एक बड़ा झटका माना जा रहा है। समाप्ति: भारत के ईंधन आपूर्ति पर गंभीर चुनौतियां हैं, लेकिन रूस और अन्य देशों से आयात के माध्यम से इसे भरपूर करने की कोशिश की जा रही है। हालांकि, घरेलू एलपीजी की कमी और ब्लैक मार्केटिंग के कारण राजनीतिक तनाव बढ़ रहा है, जिसके चलते सरकार के निर्णयों पर लोगों की आशंका बनी हुई है।#strait_of_hormuz #united_arab_emirates #saudi_arabia #kuwait #iran_irak_war

Explosions In Downtown Dubai, Small Clouds Of Smoke Seen As Iran Continues To Strike Authorities in Dubai reported a "minor drone incident" on Thursday after an AFP correspondent heard explosions in the city's downtown area, as Iran continued its campaign against the Gulf in response to US-Israeli attacks. The Dubai government's media office stated that no injuries were reported, and the incident occurred in the Al Bada'a neighborhood. Small clouds of smoke were observed rising above the residential area before dissipating. The Gulf region has faced significant Iranian attacks since the Middle East conflict began on February 28, resulting in 24 casualties, including seven US service members and 11 civilians. Earlier in the day, a container ship near Dubai was struck by a projectile, causing a small fire. The British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center confirmed the incident, noting the vessel's crew remained safe. In Bahrain, an Iranian attack triggered a major fire on Muharraq Island, which houses the country's international airport. The airport's jet fuel tanks and nearby oil industry facilities were at risk. Kuwait's Defense Ministry reported that an Iranian drone struck a residential building, injuring two people. The UAE activated its air defenses twice to protect Dubai from attacks, with firefighters extinguishing a blaze at a tower in Dubai Creek Harbor after a drone impact. Saudi Arabia confirmed it shot down a drone targeting the diplomatic quarter of Riyadh and reported downing drones in the kingdom's eastern region, including one attempting to strike the Shaybah oil field. The ongoing conflict highlights the escalating tensions in the Gulf, with Iran's attacks continuing to disrupt critical infrastructure and civilian areas.#iran #dubai #bahrain #kuwait #al_badaa
Iran fires drones toward Saudi Arabia and Kuwait Experts say footage likely shows a US Tomahawk missile hitting an Iranian school where at least 165 people were killed. The attack, which occurred amid escalating tensions, is part of a broader pattern of Iran launching new strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries as it seeks to increase pressure on the United States. Live updates indicate that Iran has intensified its military operations, with drones being directed toward Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. These actions are seen as a strategic move to challenge US influence in the region and respond to perceived threats. The casualties reported from the school attack have sparked international condemnation, with calls for accountability and an investigation into the incident. The conflict has drawn significant attention to the humanitarian impact of the violence, particularly in civilian areas. Analysts suggest that Iran’s aggressive posture reflects its determination to assert dominance in the region, despite the risks of further destabilization. Meanwhile, the US and its allies continue to assess the situation, balancing diplomatic efforts with military preparedness. The situation underscores the complex dynamics of the region, where geopolitical rivalries and proxy conflicts have led to widespread suffering. As the crisis unfolds, the focus remains on mitigating further loss of life and addressing the underlying causes of the ongoing tensions.#us #iran #saudi_arabia #kuwait #iran_school_attack

Iran launches new attacks at Gulf Arab countries as it keeps up pressure on region Iran intensified its military operations against Gulf Arab nations on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, as part of an ongoing campaign to exert influence across the region. The attacks, which included missile strikes and drone assaults, targeted multiple countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. In response, Saudi Arabia reported destroying two drones over its oil-rich eastern region, while Kuwait’s National Guard claimed to have intercepted six drones. The strikes also extended to Israel and U.S. military installations, with Iran simultaneously launching attacks on energy infrastructure to disrupt global oil supplies. The conflict has significantly impacted global energy markets, with oil prices surging due to Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for 20% of the world’s oil. Brent crude prices reached nearly $120 per barrel on Monday, before retreating slightly to around $90 on Tuesday, marking a 24% increase since the war began on February 28. The disruption of oil shipments has led to rising fuel costs in the U.S. and heightened economic uncertainty worldwide. U.S. President Donald Trump, who has previously warned that the conflict could last for a month or longer, downplayed concerns about a prolonged regional war on Tuesday. He stated that the situation would be a “short-term excursion,” vowing to retaliate if Iran disrupted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. In response, an Iranian Revolutionary Guard spokesperson, Ali Mohammad Naini, asserted that Iran would decide when the war ends.#iran #united_arab_emirates #bahrain #saudi_arabia #kuwait

Iran Fires Drones At Saudi Arabia, Kuwait After Trump Says War Could Be Over Soon Iran launched drone attacks on Saudi Arabia and Kuwait early Tuesday, escalating tensions in the Middle East amid ongoing conflict. The Saudi Defense Ministry reported that two drones were destroyed over the kingdom’s oil-rich eastern region, while Kuwait’s National Guard confirmed the interception of six drones targeting the country’s northern and southern areas. The strikes come amid conflicting statements from U.S. President Donald Trump, who initially suggested the war might be short-lived but later warned of severe U.S. retaliation if Iran disrupted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. The attacks have disrupted global oil supplies, with the Strait of Hormuz—a critical shipping lane for a fifth of the world’s oil—seeing near-complete shutdowns of tanker traffic. Iranian drones and missiles have also targeted oil and gas infrastructure in major producers, leading to soaring fuel prices and economic instability. The conflict has caused widespread panic, with civilians fleeing cities, businesses closing, and international markets fluctuating wildly. Oil prices surged to nearly $120 per barrel before retreating toward $90, reflecting uncertainty over the war’s duration. U.S. stock markets experienced extreme volatility, shifting from steep losses to gains as investors speculated that the war might not last indefinitely. However, the situation remains volatile, with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard spokesperson, Ali Mohammad Naini, stating that “Iran will determine when the war ends.” Foreign policy adviser Kamal Kharazi added that Iran is prepared for a prolonged conflict, rejecting diplomatic solutions unless economic pressure forces other nations to intervene against perceived U.S. and Israeli aggression.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #saudi_arabia #iranian_revolutionary_guard #kuwait
Stock Market Declines Amid Geopolitical Tensions and Oil Price Volatility The NIFTY 50 index fell by 353 points or 1.38% to close at 25,232.50 on March 4, 2026, while the SENSEX dropped 1,065.71 points or 1.28% to settle at 82,180.47. The broad-based selloff pushed the NIFTY50 to a session low of 24,305.40, driven by rising concerns over global oil supply stability. Oil prices surged as fears of a major supply disruption grew, with the Strait of Hormuz closure threatening exports from Iraq and Kuwait. The rupee also weakened, slumping 69 paise to an all-time low of 92.18 against the US dollar amid geopolitical tensions following the escalation of the US–Iran conflict. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) sold shares worth ₹3,295.64 crore on Monday, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) purchased equities totaling ₹8,593.87 crore. The SENSEX hit an intraday low of 78,443.20, down 1,795.65 points, and the NIFTY50 reached its session low of 24,305.40. By the close, the SENSEX fell 1,122.66 points or 1.40% to 79,116.19, and the NIFTY50 declined 385.20 points or 1.55% to 24,480.50. Among the top losers in the NIFTY50 were Tata Steel, which dropped 7.08%, followed by Tata Motors PV (-5.29%), SBI Life Insurance Company (-4.98%), JSW Steel (-4.67%), and Larsen & Toubro (-4.54%). Larsen & Toubro faced selling pressure due to heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory actions in the Gulf. The company has significant business ties across the Gulf and Middle East, with Macquarie noting that 37% of its order book originated from the region. In contrast, four NIFTY50 stocks rose, including Bharti Airtel (1.88%), Coal India (1.85%), Infosys (1.33%), and Tech Mahindra (0.15%). The NIFTY Midcap 100 index fell 2.16% or 1,255.35 points to 58,085.#iraq #strait_of_hormuz #sensex #nifty_50 #kuwait