Iranian strikes hit Gulf energy sites as US jets downed in friendly-fire incident

Iranian missile and drone attacks struck energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and Qatar on Monday, intensifying a rapidly widening regional conflict as three US fighter aircraft were mistakenly shot down by allied air defences over Kuwait. The incidents underscore the growing volatility of the Middle East war involving Iran, the United States and Israel, with energy markets and regional security increasingly at risk.

Iran targets Gulf energy infrastructure
Iran launched a new wave of retaliatory strikes across the Gulf region, targeting infrastructure and military installations in several US-aligned states. Drone and missile attacks were reported in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, causing limited damage but raising alarm across global energy markets.

Saudi Arabia reported drone activity near key oil facilities, including the strategic Ras Tanura refinery, where operations were temporarily halted following the attack. Qatar confirmed that drones struck energy-related infrastructure, prompting the suspension of liquefied natural gas production by state-owned QatarEnergy.

The strikes form part of Iran’s retaliation for US-Israeli military operations inside Iran, which Tehran says constitute an unlawful act of war. Gulf governments, together with Washington, condemned the attacks, arguing that they endangered civilian infrastructure and regional stability.

US fighter jets downed by allied defences
Amid the confusion of the escalating air campaign, Kuwaiti air-defence systems mistakenly shot down three US F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets participating in operations linked to the conflict. According to the US Central Command, the aircraft were mistakenly engaged during active combat conditions as Iranian drones and missiles approached the region.

All six crew members aboard the aircraft successfully ejected and were later recovered in stable condition. Kuwaiti authorities acknowledged the friendly-fire incident and confirmed that an investigation into the circumstances is under way.

The incident highlights the chaotic nature of the ongoing military confrontation, where multiple countries’ air-defence systems are operating simultaneously under high alert amid frequent missile warnings and drone interceptions.

Rising casualties and widening conflict
The Pentagon also confirmed that a fourth US service member has died from injuries sustained during the initial Iranian attacks earlier in the conflict. The fatality adds to mounting casualties on all sides as hostilities expand across the Middle East.

Iranian-backed militias have reportedly joined the conflict in several theatres, launching additional missile and drone strikes against US-aligned targets across the region. Airlines have suspended flights across parts of the Gulf, while governments are preparing evacuation plans for citizens stranded in affected areas.

Meanwhile, US defence officials emphasised that Washington does not intend to pursue an “endless war” against Iran, signalling that the current operations are intended to degrade Tehran’s military capabilities rather than trigger a prolonged ground conflict.

Energy markets and geopolitical risks
The attacks on energy infrastructure immediately rattled global markets. Temporary shutdowns at Gulf energy facilities and the broader security risks surrounding shipping routes have pushed energy prices sharply higher, highlighting the strategic importance of the region for global oil and gas supply.

With Iran continuing to threaten further retaliation and allied forces expanding military deployments, analysts warn that the confrontation risks evolving into a broader regional war if diplomatic channels fail to halt the escalation.

Newshub Editorial in Asia – March 2, 2026

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