Saudi oil giant Aramco has suspended operations at its Ras Tanura refinery following a drone strike amid Iran’s retaliatory attacks across Gulf countries.
Ras Tanura, one of Saudi Arabia’s largest refineries with a capacity of about 550,000 barrels of crude per day, was shut down on Monday, March 2, 2026, according to industry sources.
The official Saudi Press Agency reported a “limited” fire at the facility, caused by debris from the interception of two drones targeting the plant.
Aramco is currently assessing damage from the strike while adjusting operations at the site.
The attack forms part of Iran’s broader missile and drone strikes on U.S. bases and facilities in Gulf countries, launched in response to recent U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and at least 40 regime officials over the weekend.
A Washington Post report on Sunday alleged that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman secretly lobbied former U.S. President Donald Trump to strike Iran, while publicly advocating for diplomacy between the two nations.
Ras Tanura, located on the Persian Gulf coast, is one of the world’s largest and most strategically important oil refineries.
The shutdown has raised concerns about potential disruptions to global oil supply amid escalating regional tensions.
