Saudi Arabia Shoots Down Drones Targeting Oil Facilities Amid Iran Tensions
Saudi Arabia reported shooting down drones targeting its oil facilities, while Iran continued to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz after a two-week campaign of US airstrikes against it.
The incident marked a fresh escalation in the ongoing conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed militias. On Monday, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior announced that they had intercepted drones aimed at petroleum targets, including some in its eastern province and others in the Riyadh area.
The drones were reportedly launched from Iraq by Iranian-backed militia groups, with Saudi Arabia reserving the right to respond. Separately, Jordan reported shooting down two drones on Monday, while Iraqi security sources confirmed a series of drone attacks on camps housing Iranian opposition Kurdish forces in northern Iraq.
Brent crude prices plummeted nearly 6.5% on Monday to just over $90 following the incidents, having earlier touched levels as low as $87.55. The renewed tensions come as Iran continued to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz, with Tehran saying it was not seeking to resume peace talks with the US.