DUBAI, Mar 11 (Net): Iran continued to target oil infrastructure in the Gulf and disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, raising global energy concerns as the Middle East conflict shows no signs of easing.
Iran has effectively blocked cargo traffic through the strait, a critical route for nearly a fifth of global oil, and launched attacks on oil fields and refineries in Gulf Arab states. Early Wednesday, a projectile hit a container ship off Oman, setting it ablaze and forcing the crew to abandon the vessel. Kuwait and Saudi Arabia reported intercepting Iranian drones and missiles aimed at strategic sites.
Two Iranian drones struck near Dubai International Airport on Wednesday, injuring four people, author-ities said, though flights continued at the world’s busiest international hub.
The Dubai Media Office reported minor injuries to two Ghanaian and one Bangladeshi national, and moderate injuries to one Indian national.
The attack comes amid rising regional tensions as Iran maintains pressure on the oil industry and ship-ping routes in the Gulf. Earlier Wednesday, a projectile hit a container ship off Oman in the Strait of Hormuz, forcing the crew to abandon the vessel. Kuwait intercepted eight Iranian drones, while Saudi Arabia reported destroying five drones aimed at its Shaybah oil field. Iran has effectively halted cargo traffic through the strait, a key route for nearly 20% of global oil shipments.
Israel began its operations with the U.S. on Feb. 28, renewed strikes on Tehran and Lebanon, targeting Iran-linked Hezbollah. Explosions in Beirut and southern Lebanon killed at least seven people, including a Red Cross worker, while nearly 500 have died in Lebanon since the latest conflict erupted.
The U.N. Security Council is set to vote on a Gulf Cooperation Council-backed resolution demanding Iran cease attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Jordan.
Oil prices remain high amid fears of prolonged disruption. Some tankers are navigating the strait through “dark” transits with AIS trackers turned off, while Iran has resumed exports via its Jask termi-nal.
Concerns have also emerged over the health of Iran’s new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khame-nei, who has not been seen publicly since taking office.
Foreign nationals are leaving the region in large numbers. The U.K. evacuated over 45,000 citizens, while around 40,000 Americans have returned home. The U.S. has reported seven military fatalities and eight serious injuries since the conflict began.
