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Updated 2026-03-20 13:35 UTC
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Kuwait oil refinery hit again as Iran targets Gulf energy infrastructure

What happened

Iran has escalated attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure, striking oil refineries in Kuwait and severely damaging Qatar's largest natural gas export facility. The strikes are causing major disruptions to global energy supplies, forcing refineries to pay huge premiums for replacement crude oil. The conflict has damaged QatarEnergy's operations to the tune of $20 billion annually in lost revenue.

Why people care
The Gulf region supplies a critical portion of the world's oil and natural gas, making these facilities vital to global energy security. The attacks are already driving up energy prices worldwide, with UK household bills expected to rise by £332 annually and the EU facing a potential years-long supply shortage.
The takes
Energy analysts say

The conflict has entered a dangerous new phase with Iran deliberately targeting civilian energy infrastructure across multiple Gulf nations. This strategy appears designed to create maximum economic disruption by hitting facilities that are crucial to global energy supplies. The coordinated nature of strikes from Kuwait to the UAE suggests a systematic campaign to weaponize energy exports.

Strategic experts say

Iran's targeting of Gulf energy infrastructure represents a calculated strategy to maximize leverage while avoiding direct confrontation with major powers. By disrupting global energy markets, Iran can inflict economic pain on adversaries while demonstrating its ability to threaten critical supply chains. This approach puts the US and allies in what experts call a 'strategic trap' where military responses risk further escalation.

Sources
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