Major security incidents and attacks across the Gulf region have raised tensions just before important talks in Oman.
- A commercial ship was hit near Qeshm Island, causing one death and injuries.
- Saudi Arabia shut down its East-West pipeline after a drone attack.
- Houthi forces seized key areas near the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
A commercial vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile near Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in one death and three to four injuries, according to Iranian state media. The UK Maritime Trade Operations center confirmed a separate report of a vessel fire and emergency evacuation in the same waterway. The incident occurred shortly before a scheduled Monday meeting in Muscat, where Iran and Gulf Arab states were expected to discuss regional shipping security. Bahrain has formally withdrawn from the talks, with its foreign ministry citing a refusal to engage with Tehran until diplomatic relations, severed in 2016, are restored. Bahraini officials also highlighted a recent near-catastrophic attack on an ammonia tank in their territory. Explosions were also reported on Iran's Qeshm Island, though attribution remains unclear.
Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia is managing the impact of a drone attack on its East-West pipeline that originated from Iraq, according to Riyadh and Baghdad. The strike forced a precautionary shutdown of the pipeline, which was a critical alternative for Saudi crude exports following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump attributed the attack to Iran. The disruption has caused Brent crude prices to rise above $100 per barrel, with potential global supply losses of up to 4 percent if the pipeline remains offline.
In the west, Iran-backed Houthi forces have seized the port of Mokha and Perim Island, asserting control over the Bab el-Mandeb strait. The Houthis reported a missile and drone strike on the Sharurah base in southern Saudi Arabia, claiming to have targeted command centers and weapons depots. Saudi Civil Defence confirmed that a projectile hit Al-Tuwal in Jazan, causing two injuries and damaging a mosque, homes, and vehicles. While Yemeni government forces have attempted a counter-offensive at Mokha, Iranian state media described the Houthi territorial gains as a divine triumph. Diplomatic efforts continue despite the escalating violence. UAE Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed Al Nahyan met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the BRICS summit in New Delhi on Saturday, where both leaders signed a statement urging restraint and the protection of energy flows. Meanwhile, Qatar has condemned Iranian attacks on Arab states and Houthi targeting of Saudi infrastructure while expressing solidarity with Riyadh. Despite these meetings, a senior Iranian official indicated to Reuters that a formal agreement on the Strait of Hormuz is unlikely at the upcoming Oman summit.
