Qatar has shot down two Iranian Sukhoi Su-24 fighter jets and suspended liquefied natural gas (LNG) production after drone strikes targeted key energy facilities, marking a dramatic escalation in regional tensions. The attacks come as Tehran expands retaliatory measures following reported US-Israeli strikes on Iran’s top leadership.
Qatar’s defence ministry confirmed the interception on Monday, stating:
“Qatar Emiri Air Force successfully shot down two aircraft coming from the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
The ministry did not disclose the fate of the pilots. This is the first time a Gulf state has directly engaged Iranian aircraft since the start of the current wave of attacks.
Iran has launched multiple missile and drone strikes across the region, targeting ports, airports, hotels, residential areas, and military installations in Gulf states allied with Washington. The assaults have killed at least six people and injured dozens.
The crisis intensified after strikes hit two QatarEnergy facilities, forcing the country to halt LNG production. Qatar is a leading global LNG exporter, and the disruption sent European gas prices soaring over 50%, while oil prices jumped nearly 9% amid fears of prolonged supply shocks.
In Saudi Arabia, a drone strike targeted the Ras Tanura refinery, one of the largest oil refineries in the region, prompting partial operational shutdowns. A Saudi official told AFP that any “concerted” Iranian assault on Aramco could trigger a direct military response. Saudi forces have reportedly been placed on full alert.
The United Arab Emirates also faced strikes, with a drone hitting a fuel tank terminal in Musaffah, sparking a fire that was quickly contained. No injuries were reported, and operations were unaffected.
Explosions were reported in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Manama on Monday, shaking the Gulf’s reputation as a secure haven in a volatile Middle East. Security analyst Anna Jacobs called the developments a “nightmare scenario” for the region, noting that such attacks undermine the longstanding perception of stability.
In Kuwait, smoke was seen over the US embassy compound in Kuwait City, although officials did not confirm a direct strike. Kuwaiti air defences also mistakenly downed three US F-15E Strike Eagles in a friendly-fire incident; crews reportedly ejected safely. Separately, a Kuwaiti navy sergeant was killed on duty, and two refinery workers were injured by shrapnel, though production continued.
Bahrain reported its first fatality since the crisis began when debris from an intercepted missile ignited a fire aboard a ship in the port city of Salman, killing one Asian worker and critically injuring two others.
The rapid spread of attacks across Gulf oil and LNG facilities has heightened fears of a wider regional conflict, with governments and markets closely monitoring further escalations.
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