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3 Mar 2026 17:56
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  •   Home > News > International

    Satellite images show destruction at huge oil refinery, Iranian nuclear facility

    Newly released satellite imagery shows the aftermath of an Iranian drone attack targeting one of the world's largest oil refineries.


    Newly released satellite imagery shows the aftermath of an Iranian drone attack targeting one of the world's largest oil refineries.

    The Ras Tanura refinery — owned by oil giant Saudi Aramco — was temporarily closed while authorities dealt with the emergency.

    The country's defence ministry told state television that two drones were intercepted over the refinery and debris caused a fire.

    No civilians were injured.

    Satellite imagery from Vantor shows in detail large plumes of smoke coming from the refinery.?

    Ras Tanura produces more than half a million barrels per day, and serves as a critical export terminal for Saudi crude?due to its location on the Persian Gulf.

    Verified video shows the aftermath from the ground.

    This kind of incident is prompting speculation the price of oil could skyrocket if the war continues.

    There are conflicting reports on whether oil tankers can pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

    It connects the Persian Gulf?to the world's oceans.

    The region, including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, produces 27 per cent of the world's crude oil.

    About 20 per cent of global supply needs to go through the critical shipping route.

    "If the straits are blocked, we could see $US90 oil on a spike, so it may be wise to fill up your car with some cheap petrol in the next few days," said Henry Jennings, a senior market analyst with Marcus Today, on Sunday.?

    Iranian nuclear facility hit

    New damage can also be seen at Iran's Natanz nuclear facility, which had been a key part of the country's enrichment program.

    Analysis of imagery by the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) said two personnel entrances and one vehicle access ramp to the underground site can be seen.

    It said the facility had not been in operation since it was bombed by the US in?June?2025?— but it may still contain enriched uranium cylinders and related equipment, or even recoverable centrifuges.

    The institute said activity had been spotted outside the vehicle access area in late February.?

    Iranian navy losses

    More imagery shows damaged Iranian navy vessels at a strategic port located on the Strait of Hormuz.

    Lots of black smoke can be seen rising from Bandar Abbas port, which serves as the main base and headquarters for the country's navy.

    Some of it is coming from a ship which appears to be IRIS Makran, an oil tanker which was converted into a warship. It has been described as a "floating base".

    The ship's deck and shape are consistent with it being the Makran.

    At least one other ship appears to be on fire to its north — but it is mostly shrouded with smoke.

    The US claims to have sunk 11 Iranian ships in the Gulf of Oman since the war broke out.

    It is unclear if any buildings at the navy base are on fire too.


    ABC




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