Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Iran has launched a drone strike on a critical oil facility in the United Arab Emirates, targeting the strategic port of Port of Fujairah amid escalating regional tensions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Israel, Iran, and the United States.
Thick plumes of black smoke were seen rising above the port area following the attack, according to regional reports and eyewitness accounts. The facility is considered one of the largest oil storage and refueling hubs in the Middle East and plays a crucial role in global energy logistics.
The strike comes as Iran has intensified threats against U.S. interests in the region, including warnings from senior Iranian figures about potential retaliation if American forces attempt to target Iran’s oil infrastructure.
Manouchehr Mottaki, Iran’s former foreign minister, warned that Iranian forces could attempt to capture American troops if Washington moves to seize strategic facilities such as Kharg Island, the country’s main crude oil export terminal.
“If the United States tries to seize Iran’s oil infrastructure, our forces could capture American troops,” Mottaki reportedly said, in remarks that underscore the growing confrontation between Tehran and Washington.
The targeted port, located on the Gulf of Oman coast, is one of the Middle East’s most important energy infrastructure sites. The Port of Fujairah serves as a key global refueling center for tankers and commercial vessels and hosts massive oil storage facilities capable of holding millions of barrels of crude.
Its strategic importance is amplified by its geographic position outside the narrow Strait of Hormuz, the vital shipping corridor through which a significant portion of the world’s oil passes each day. Because the port lies on the Gulf of Oman rather than inside the Persian Gulf, tankers can reach it without navigating the Strait of Hormuz, making it a crucial alternative logistics hub during periods of heightened regional tension.
Energy analysts warn that any disruption at Fujairah could have ripple effects across global oil markets, as the port functions not only as a storage and export center but also as a major bunkering location where ships refuel before continuing their journeys.
The drone strike also follows a series of reported Iranian actions targeting vessels transiting near the Strait of Hormuz in recent days, raising fears that the conflict could increasingly threaten one of the world’s most critical energy shipping routes.
The United Arab Emirates has not yet released full details about the extent of damage or potential casualties from the attack, but regional security officials say investigations are underway while authorities assess the impact on oil operations and port infrastructure.
The latest strike marks another dangerous escalation in the widening regional confrontation, with analysts warning that attacks on energy infrastructure across the Gulf could rapidly expand the conflict and disrupt global oil supply chains.
