After US Talks Rejection, Iranian Drone Strike Hits Major Oil Supplier to India’s Refineries

After Tehran’s peace talk rejection, Iran’s Shahed-136 drones struck Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura refinery, operated by Saudi Aramco, prompting a halt in operations at one of the world’s most strategically important oil export hubs.

Multiple news outlets like Russia Today, Press TV Iran and Israel's I24 new reported a drone strike at Saudi Aramco's Ras Tanura refining facility.

Iran's Press TV also reported an Iranian missile strike at the Salman Port in Bahrain. The Iranian media report claimed that the Port was being reportedly used for transporting American logistical equipment intended for use in a strike on Iran.

In its statement, Iran's IRGC issued an update on what the Iranians have dubbed Operation True Promise.

Located in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, the Ras Tanura refinery has the capacity to process more than 550,000 barrels of crude oil per day, while its adjoining export terminal handles millions of barrels for shipment to global markets.

The complex includes refining units, vast storage facilities, pipeline networks and a large port built to accommodate international oil tankers.

Strategically vital to oil exports bound for Asia, Europe and the United States, any disruption at Ras Tanura has the potential to affect international crude prices and trigger volatility in global energy markets.

The site is protected by extensive security measures and advanced surveillance systems.

How Does the Iranian Drone Strike on Saudi Aramco Impact Oil Supply to Indian Refiners?

Saudi Aramco is a significant crude supplier to leading Indian refiners. Indian Oil Corporation is among its key buyers, recently sourcing ultra light crude as well. Other major customers include Reliance Industries Limited, which processes substantial volumes at its Jamnagar refinery, along with state run refiners Hindustan Petroleum and Bharat Petroleum.

Meanwhile, Amichai Stein the Diplomatic Correspondent at Israel's i24news reported that officials in Gulf states were shocked by the Iranian retaliation.

In a post on X he said, "Out of all my conversations with senior officials in the Gulf states, they were completely shocked by the intensity of the Iranian fire."

"We were certain that after the elimination of Khamenei they would respond, but right now they're aiming at population centers, not just military facilities; this is completely insane and this is conduct that makes no sense on their part," one of them told me. Another senior official told me, "This is way beyond what we thought would happen," he added.

The drone strike comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East following recent Iranian missile and drone launches targeting Gulf states and Israel after international airstrikes in the region.

Reports of new explosions in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the sound of loud bangs in Doha were carried by Al Jazeera on Monday.

Arab News reported that Iranian missiles and drones had also targeted Kuwait and Bahrain, while an eyewitness told Reuters that smoke was seen rising from near the US embassy in Kuwait.

Earlier on Monday, the Kuwait Air Defence Force shot down “a number of hostile aerial targets” in the early hours, according to the Kuwait Army.

What Do Iranian State Media Reports Reveal About the Downed US F-15 in Kuwait?

Iranian State Media released a picture on Telegram allegedly of the American F15 fighter pilot whose plane was downed in Kuwait earlier on Monday morning.

In a post on Telegram, Press TV said, "American pilot after his fighter jet crashed in Kuwait".

Referring to local sources, IRNA also shared a video clip which it claims to show the downing of the American F-15 fighter jet in Kuwait, stating, "According to local sources, a US F-15 fighter jet was shot down in the skies above Kuwait earlier on Monday morning".

PressTV further shared a video on X showcasing Iran's large fleet of drone arsenal followed by Iranian strikes on what it called "US-Israeli targets in the region".

The developments followed a firm rejection of negotiations with the United States by Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.

The second meeting of the Provisional Leadership Council was also held in the presence of Iranian President Masoud Pezekshian, Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei and Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, IRNA said on Monday.

The council was formed shortly after Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei and top security officials were killed in the US and Israel's ongoing attacks.

The interim council, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, will oversee the country until a new supreme leader is elected, while Iranian state media say at least 201 people have been killed in the attacks across 24 provinces, as per Al Jazeera.

(With inputs from ANI)