Kamal Ghorui
Screenshot from video shared by Tehran Times
Saudi Arabia said on Tuesday it intercepted and destroyed seven ballistic missiles launched toward the Kingdom’s Eastern Region, adding that assessments were under way to determine any damage.However, the missiles and drones — suspected to have been launched by Iran — triggered a major fire in Jubail Industrial City, Saudi Arabia’s largest industrial hub and one of the world’s biggest petrochemical centres. Thick black smoke was seen rising across the city as emergency crews battled the blaze. Authorities ordered evacuations in parts of the area and suspended nearby industrial operations to prevent a chain reaction involving oil and gas facilities. Local sources indicated that at least one missile may have struck or detonated near critical infrastructure, intensifying concerns about energy security in the region.The interceptions come amid heightened tensions across the Middle East, where a conflict began with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. Tehran’s retaliation has included attacks on Israeli territory and on Gulf states hosting US military bases.
Jubail Industrial City is the region’s latest energy hub targeted by Iran during the ongoing conflict.Significance of Jubail Industrial CityThe significance of Jubail Industrial City lies in its status as the world’s largest single industrial development project. Established in 1975, it is located in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province and spans around 1,016 square kilometers, encompassing vast industrial complexes as well as major port facilities.Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) operates several petrochemical plants in Jubail Industrial City, which accounts for around 7% of global petrochemical output. Together with Yanbu Industrial City — the country’s second-largest petrochemical hub — they are responsible for about 85% of Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports.Additionally, Jubail contributes an estimated 7–12% of Saudi Arabia’s annual GDP and accounts for nearly 50% of the Kingdom’s total foreign direct investment.The industrial city is connected to the King Fahd Industrial Port, which has an annual handling capacity of around 70 million tonnes.
Trump’s ‘reopen Hormuz’ deadline nears
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia closed the King Fahd Causeway, a key link to Bahrain, amid threats of Iranian attacks.The King Fahd Causeway Authority announced the move in a post on X, saying vehicle movement had been “suspended as a precautionary measure” due to strikes targeting the Kingdom’s Eastern Province.The 25-kilometre bridge is the only road connection between the Arabian Peninsula and Bahrain, which hosts the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet.US President Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning of strikes on Iranian power plants and bridges if it fails to comply by Tuesday 8 pm EDT (Wednesday 5:30 am IST).Iran has effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation. Roughly 20% of the world’s crude oil supply passes through the vital sea route.
