The escalating conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel has now reached one of the Gulf’s most strategically important maritime hubs. On March 11, 2026, multiple drones attacked fuel storage tanks at the port of Salalah in Oman, causing a fire and raising concerns in global energy and shipping markets. Officials confirmed that while several drones were intercepted, others managed to penetrate air defenses and target oil storage infrastructure at the port.Although the attack caused serious fires in at least two fuel tanks, officials said there were no casualties among port workers or residents, and there was no damage to merchant ships moored nearby. The incident marks the latest escalation in a regional war that has increasingly spread beyond Iran, Israel and US targets to threaten Gulf energy infrastructure and maritime trade routes.
A fire breaks out at a strategic energy center in Oman amid Iran vs US-Israel war
Located along the Arabian Sea in the Dhofar region of Oman, the Port of Salalah is one of the Middle East’s major shipping and logistics hubs. The port handles container traffic, oil storage and bunkering operations to serve ships plying between Asia, Europe and Africa. When the drones attacked the facility, fuel tanks in the port’s storage area were set on fire, sending plumes of smoke into the sky. Videos circulating online showed parts of the oil depot engulfed in flames.Officials said emergency services responded quickly to bring the fire under control, while security forces struggled to stop additional drones from coming into the area. Many unmanned aerial vehicles were successfully shot down before reaching port. Despite the quick response, at least one drone managed to attack a storage area, highlighting the growing vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure across the Gulf.
Shipping and port operations disrupted in Oman’s Salalah port amid Iran vs US-Israel war
Following the attack, port operations were temporarily disrupted and shipping companies began to reevaluate security conditions in the area. One of the port’s major terminal operators confirmed that container terminal operations have been halted until further notice, while vessels in nearby waters have been advised to remain vigilant.Global shipping giant Maersk also halted activities at the port following the strike, citing security concerns around the facility. The shutdown highlights how an attack on a single energy storage facility could disrupt global supply chains, particularly in the Gulf, which handles a significant portion of the world’s oil and container shipping traffic.The Salalah strike is not an isolated incident. It is part of a broader campaign targeting ports, refineries and energy infrastructure across the region since the outbreak of the Iran-US-Israel war on February 28, 2026. Since the conflict began, several Gulf facilities have been hit or threatened by drone and missile attacks. Earlier in March, Oman’s Duqm port was also targeted by drones, damaging fuel storage tanks and injuring a foreign worker.In other events:
- Earlier in the month, a drone attacked a fuel tank at Duqm port.
- An oil tanker was also attacked off the coast of Oman as tensions escalated.
- Several Gulf countries hosting US military assets have reported air threats or interceptions.
These incidents have increased fears that the conflict is expanding beyond military targets to economic infrastructure, particularly oil storage and shipping facilities.
Iran denies role in Salalah port drone attack amid war with US-Israel
Iran has suggested that the drone attack on Oman’s Salalah port may have been part of a “false flag” operation, raising doubts over who was actually responsible for the attack. In a statement quoted by the Khatam al-Anbiya (Holy Prophet) central headquarters, which coordinates Iran’s armed forces, a spokesman described the incident as “suspicious” and said the Islamic Republic was investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.Iranian officials denied that their forces had deliberately targeted Oman, stressing that the sultanate is considered a “friend and neighbor” and that Iran does not seek confrontation with nearby Muslim countries. Instead, Tehran warned that the United States and Israel could attempt false attacks on regional infrastructure to blame Iran and escalate conflict across the Gulf.According to the Iranian statement, such actions could include targeting diplomatic sites or strategic facilities in neighboring states to “damage Iran’s image” and draw additional countries into the war.
Why does Oman matter in the Iran vs. US-Israel conflict?
Oman’s historical role as a neutral mediator in Middle Eastern diplomacy makes the Salalah strike particularly significant. For decades, the Sultanate has maintained cordial relations with both Iran and Western countries, often hosting secret diplomatic talks. Oman played a key role in facilitating the early back-channel negotiations that ultimately resulted in the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Due to this neutral status, Oman has largely avoided becoming a battleground in regional conflicts.However, the latest drone attacks suggest that the war may now spread even to countries that have traditionally stayed out of the conflict. Analysts say the aim of targeting Omani infrastructure may be to send a message to Gulf countries that are cooperating in US or Israeli military activities.
Growing risks to global energy markets amid Iran vs US-Israel war
The attack on Salalah has raised concerns about the security of oil infrastructure across the Gulf. The region is home to some of the world’s most important energy facilities, including major refineries, export terminals and shipping routes. Energy analysts warn that continued attacks on fuel depots and ports could have several consequences:
- Global oil supply disruption
- Increase in fuel prices
- shipping insurance surcharge
- Rerouting tankers away from conflict areas
Even relatively small disruptions can have major impacts on global markets as the Gulf region exports a significant portion of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas.
Growing role of drone warfare
The attack also reflects the growing role of drones in modern warfare, particularly in the Middle East. Compared to conventional missiles or air strikes, drones are cheaper to deploy, harder to detect, able to travel long distances and capable of targeting infrastructure with precision.Many drones used in regional conflicts resemble hovering weapons, sometimes called “kamikaze drones”, that hover near targets before attacking. Their increased use has changed how conflicts affect infrastructure, allowing attackers to attack ports, refineries and airports far from traditional battlefields.
Iran’s position and territorial claims amid war with America-Israel
While many analysts and security companies attribute the attacks to Iranian retaliation against US and Israeli targets, Tehran has previously denied responsibility for some of the attacks on neighboring countries. Iranian officials have argued that attacks against neutral states may be part of efforts by rival actors to escalate the conflict and blame Iran.At the same time, Western and Gulf officials say Iran’s military strategy includes targeting energy infrastructure across the region as part of a broader confrontation with Washington and Tel Aviv. The attack on Salalah highlights how the ongoing war is slowly spreading across the region.According to regional reports, the escalating conflict has already caused significant casualties and damage in several countries and affected thousands of people. The risks and threats of escalation increase with each new attack, especially if critical energy infrastructure or shipping routes are repeatedly targeted.The drone attack on Oman’s Salalah port marks a dangerous new phase in the Iran vs. US-Israel conflict, threatening not only military targets but also the Gulf region’s economic lifelines. For a country like Oman, long known for its diplomatic neutrality, the attack underscores how the conflict is expanding far beyond its original battlefield.With increasing threats to energy facilities, shipping hubs and ports, warfare is no longer limited to missiles and military bases. It is now testing the resilience of global trade routes and energy supply chains and if attacks on strategic ports continue, the impact could soon be felt not only in the Middle East but also on the global economy.