Gulf Nations Report Iranian Attacks Amid Escalating Conflict
Gulf countries have reported multiple attacks as the US-Israel conflict involving Iran continues into its fifth week, with significant strikes targeting major industrial infrastructure.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced that several individuals were injured in an Iranian attack on a critical aluminium plant located in Abu Dhabi. The operator, Emirates Global Aluminium, reported extensive damage to the facility.
Similarly, Aluminium Bahrain, a state-controlled entity, confirmed that two employees sustained injuries due to an Iranian assault on one of the world's largest aluminium smelting plants.
Houthis Enter Conflict, Raising Concerns Over Maritime Security
The escalation follows the entry of Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi forces into the conflict on Saturday, intensifying fears of further economic disruption if they target maritime shipping routes in the Red Sea.
The Houthis declared they had launched a missile barrage against Israel, aiming at "sensitive" military sites, and pledged to continue such operations. Israel reported intercepting two missiles launched from Yemen.
Energy markets have already experienced price surges as Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping corridor for global energy transport between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
If the Houthis proceed with attacks on shipping—similar to their support for Hamas following the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023—it could further drive energy prices upward.
Additional Attacks and Investigations in the Region
As the conflict moved into its second month, Oman announced an investigation into "cowardly attacks" after a foreign worker was reportedly injured in a drone strike targeting its southern port of Salalah. No group has claimed responsibility for these attacks.
Kuwait's defence ministry reported significant damage to the radar system at its international airport following an assault by 15 drones.
Tehran Accuses Israel and Issues Retaliation Warnings
Separately, Tehran accused Israel of targeting two of its steel production facilities. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued threats of retaliatory measures against the US and Israel after two Iranian universities were struck.
"Israeli and American universities in the Middle East were considered legitimate targets until two of their universities are struck."
Continued Israeli Strikes and Casualties in Lebanon
Meanwhile, Israel persisted with strikes against Iran and Lebanon. On Saturday, journalists were killed in a targeted Israeli strike, according to their employers.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the killing of Ali Shoeib, an employee of Hezbollah-affiliated Al Manar TV. The IDF described him as a "terrorist" belonging to the Iranian-backed Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force, alleging he had "operated for years under the guise of a journalist." However, the IDF did not provide evidence supporting his alleged military role and refrained from commenting on the deaths of Fatima or Mohamed Ftouni.
On the same day, the World Health Organization reported that nine paramedics were killed in southern Lebanon within 24 hours, bringing the total number of health personnel fatalities in March to 51.
