US Israel Iran War Latest Updates: According to eyewitness reports, Bahrain’s largest oil refinery, BAPCO near Sitra, was covered in dense smoke as a result of an Iranian drone strike on Monday. The Bahraini authorities verified injuries and damage to the surrounding area. The refinery is an important component of Bahrain’s energy economy, processing a large share of the country’s crude oil.
An Iranian Shahed drone struck the BAPCO oil refinery in Bahrain.#IsraelIranWar #IranIsraelWar pic.twitter.com/hwTeWfIJFw
— RB. (@rahul4bisht) March 9, 2026
US Israel Iran War: UAE Air Defences Respond to Missile Attack Amid Gulf Crisis
Saudi air defences claimed shooting down multiple Iranian drones over the Rub al-Khali desert, on their way to the vital Shaybah oilfield. The raids coincide with growing regional tensions and follow past attacks on the Prince Sultan airbase and drones targeting Riyadh, illustrating the intensifying Iran-Gulf war.
Israel Launches Fresh Strikes in Iran and Lebanon
Israel launched fresh airstrikes in central Iran and hit claimed Hezbollah targets in Beirut, Lebanon. These actions are part of a larger effort aimed at raising tensions with Iran, following US-Israeli coordinated strikes earlier in the conflict.
Mojtaba Khamenei Appointed Iran’s New Supreme Leader
Iran has formally named Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as its new Supreme Leader, following the murder of his father, Ali Khamenei, in combined US-Israeli strikes. The Assembly of Experts chose Mojtaba, 56, and the Revolutionary Guards promptly pledged their fealty.
According to state television, Iran has launched its first wave of missiles under the new leader at “occupied territories,” indicating a substantial increase in military actions.
US Israel Iran War: Gulf States Face Heightened Drone and Missile Threats
Qatar’s defence ministry intercepted a missile attack, following alerts of increased security threats. Saudi Arabia also reported intercepting drones and ballistic missiles over key sites, including oilfields and military installations. These interceptions occurred amid ongoing Iranian attacks targeting US and allied positions in the Gulf.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and Judiciary Support New Leader
After Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards pledged allegiance to the new Supreme Leader. Judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei called the announcement “a source of joy and hope,” and senior security official Ali Larijani described the election as “completely legal.”
US President Donald Trump Criticizes New Supreme Leader
US President Donald Trump criticized the appointment, calling Mojtaba Khamenei a “lightweight” and warning that he “was not going to last long” without US approval. Trump expressed that the US should have input in the selection process, echoing his previous statements about wanting leadership in Iran that could “bring harmony and peace.”
US Israel Iran War: Impact on Gulf Energy and Global Markets
The drone and missile attacks on BAPCO and Saudi oil facilities have heightened global energy concerns. Disruptions in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE risk pushing up oil prices and could affect international markets, jet fuel, and the cost of fertiliser production.
