Iran war is taking a dangerous turn as tensions in West Asia escalate rapidly. A drone struck near Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu refinery signalling a dangerous shift in the conflict toward critical energy infrastructure. The targeted facility, part of the SAMREF joint venture between Saudi Aramco and ExxonMobil, plays a key role in global oil supply, raising alarm across international markets. The attack follows Iranian warnings and comes amid retaliatory strikes linked to US and Israeli actions on Iran’s energy assets, including the South Pars gas field. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively shut and alternative routes like Yanbu and Fujairah under pressure, global energy flows are facing severe disruption.

Israel’s 24-hour deadline to Hamas has expired, marking a critical turning point in the fragile ceasefire agreement brokered by the U.S., Egypt and Qatar. According to Israeli officials, the IDF began limited operations beyond the designated “Yellow Line” after Hamas failed to withdraw its remaining fighters before the 8 p.m. deadline. U.S. and regional mediators had relayed final warnings to Hamas through Cairo and Doha, emphasizing that any continued presence beyond the demarcated zone would be considered a violation of the ceasefire pact. WATCH