Saudi Arabia warns Iran after reported drone strike on Yanbu oil facility

Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister has issued a warning to Iran following reports of a drone strike targeting a major oil refining facility in Yanbu amid escalating regional tensions.

According to regional media reports, the Samref oil refinery in Yanbu, a key Red Sea export hub, was hit in an aerial attack during ongoing hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The extent of damage and any disruptions to production have not been independently confirmed.

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said the kingdom has the capability to respond, cautioning Iran against testing Saudi Arabia’s restraint. His remarks were carried by official statements on Thursday.

Yanbu is a critical النفط export center for Saudi Arabia, particularly as shipments have increasingly been rerouted through the Red Sea due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. No official Saudi confirmation of the strike details was immediately available.

Reports also indicate that oil and gas facilities in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar were targeted in similar drone attacks. These claims have not been independently verified.

The developments follow a reported warning issued by Iran a day earlier, advising regional countries to evacuate oil installations, according to multiple media outlets.