Oil facilities across the Gulf were placed on high alert on Saturday as Iran broadened its military campaign beyond its own borders, launching ballistic missiles at the UAE and threatening strikes on any regional energy infrastructure with American ties. The attacks on Fujairah forced a suspension of oil-loading operations at one of the world’s most important ship-refuelling hubs, raising fresh fears about the security of energy supply chains that the world depends upon. Industry and trade sources confirmed the halt in operations as dark smoke rose over the emirate.
Iran’s escalation came as the US and Israeli air campaign against Iranian territory intensified. US warplanes bombed Kharg Island for the second consecutive day, with President Trump asserting in public statements that the facility had been effectively demolished. He called on China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran had closed since fighting began on February 28. The closure had already sent oil prices surging toward $120 per barrel, and analysts warned of further increases if the conflict continued unchecked.
Iran’s military made clear on Saturday that its campaign was not limited to defensive retaliation. Commanders threatened to strike any oil, economic, or energy facility in the Gulf region connected to American businesses, and the foreign minister called on Arab states to expel US forces. The UAE, which hosts significant US military assets, condemned the attacks as terrorism while trying to maintain a position of restraint. Gulf governments were increasingly exposed to Iranian pressure as the conflict dragged on with no diplomatic solution in sight.
Israel was a co-belligerent in the campaign, conducting dozens of airstrikes across Iran on Saturday. At least 15 people were killed in an Israeli strike on an Isfahan factory. Iran continued firing rockets at Israel in return, sustaining simultaneous military operations across multiple theatres. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth described Iran’s leadership as “desperate and hiding,” claiming the newly installed supreme leader had been wounded. Iranian officials confirmed Khamenei’s injury but said it was not serious. Analysts maintained the regime was operationally intact and pursuing a deliberate strategy of prolonged warfare.
Casualties across the region continued to mount at a troubling rate. More than 1,400 Iranians had reportedly been killed in sustained bombing. Thirteen Israelis and around 20 Gulf residents had died. Lebanon remained in the grip of a parallel crisis, with more than 800 killed and 850,000 displaced from Israeli strikes on Hezbollah. Six American service members died in a military aircraft crash in western Iraq. The US embassy in Baghdad was struck overnight, and all Americans in Iraq were ordered to leave. Oil prices and human costs alike were rising fast with no end in sight.
