Nestled in the sun-drenched plains of the province of Alicante, the quaint Spanish city of Villena guards a secret that connects earth and sky. In 1963, workers excavating a gravel pit came across the Villena Treasure, which contained more than 60 Bronze Age artefacts weighing about 10 kg each, mostly gleaming gold bowls, bracelets and bottles. What makes this discovery truly extraordinary is that two of the pieces, an iron bracelet and a sword hilt pommel, were made from meteorite iron, a rare metal that fell from space about a million years ago. This collection, dating back to 1400-1200 BC, long before iron smelting was known on Earth, indicates ancient people’s awe of cosmic gifts. Today, these treasures shine in the Archaeological Museum of Villena, attracting visitors to contemplate how Bronze Age artisans transformed stardust into jewellery.

The Treasure of Villena: one of the richest prehistoric gold deposits in Europe

The Treasure of Villena is one of the richest prehistoric gold finds in Europe, second only to the royal tombs of Mycenae in Greece. Meteorite iron discovered in Villena treasure by archaeologists? Discovered by researchers Salvador Rovira-Llorens, Martina Renzi and Ignacio Monteiro-Ruiz from the National Archaeological Museum, Diriyah Gate Development Authority (Saudi Arabia) and the Institute of History of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and José María Soler García on a dry riverbed, it includes 59 gold objects, three silver bottles, an amber-gold button and those enigmatic iron fragments. No nearby sites match its style, leading to debate over its origin, perhaps a ritual offering or elite burial goods. Experts marvel at the craftsmanship: the intricate gold work on the vessels, imitating leather pouches, shows advanced skills for the Late Bronze Age. “These two pieces of iron had very high value,” said Ignacio Monteiro-Ruiz of the Institute of History at the Spanish Research Council. Before settling down the group visited museums in Spain, a testament to its cultural importance.

Meteorite iron in ancient spain

The scientific investigation published in the journal Archeology revealed the origin of space. Mass spectrometry by Salvador Rovira-Llorens of Spain’s National Archaeological Museum, Martina Renzi of Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Gate Development Authority, and Ignacio Monteiro-Ruiz showed high nickel levels, which, unlike earthly iron, is a hallmark of meteorites. The corroded C-shaped bracelet and gold-decorated pommel predate the Iron Age by centuries, proving that the ancients worked this ‘sky iron’. “Who built them and where these materials were obtained are still questions that have yet to be answered,” Monteiro-Ruiz said, unraveling the mystery. Meteorites likely crashing nearby were noticed by sky-observation communities, who valued the metal’s extraterrestrial luster for status symbols. This pushes back evidence of meteoric iron use in Iberia, challenging the timeline of early metallurgy.

Villena remains the guardian of the cosmic heritage

Villena only adds charm to the story. This small town of 35,000 boasts a medieval center featuring the 12th-century Atalaya Castle, which was built by the Almohad Empire as a Muslim refuge. Wander its streets for Renaissance architecture and festivities, but the Archaeological Museum is the star display with treasures amid Bronze Age equipment. For history lovers, Villena uniquely combines the past and the universe. Coming here feels like stepping into a story where ancient Spaniards turned stardust into eternity. Plan a trip to the heart of Alicante – cosmic treasure awaits in this unassuming gem.

For the first time, scientists have filmed high-speed video of a phenomenon where trees release electrical flashes by generating sparks during a thunderstorm. The results of a study published in geophysical research paper show that tree branches can emit a faint blue light known as corona discharge, thanks to sensors and cameras deployed in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Corona is formed when a storm’s very strong electric field ionizes the air near the sharp edges of leaves on a tree. Sailors have been observing this glow on ship masts for hundreds of years. This observation is important for atmospheric scientists, as the findings indicate that forest areas may have a greater impact on Earth’s electrical balance and greenhouse gas composition than previously thought.

How do trees emit electrical flashes without catching fire?

The blue light at the tops of trees is the result of a phenomenon called corona discharge, which is different from a lightning strike or wildfire. The electric field of a storm is so large that it can strip electrons from air molecules. Due to this, electricity is emitted into the air in the form of plasma. Unlike lightning, which is extremely hot and large discharge, corona discharge is ‘cold’ lightning. according to science newsBecause this form of lightning is less strong and less widespread, it accumulates at the brightest points on a tree, such as the tips of pine needles and leaves, causing the tree to emit a faint glow. However, this lightning will not cause actual burning or any other type of damage to the tree.

Why do glowing trees matter for the climate?

Apart from looking beautiful with their bright blue glow, the electrical discharge from corona discharge around the tips of trees has a huge impact on air quality.According to research done by Penn State UniversityThe electrical discharge generated by corona discharge at the tips of trees also produces large amounts of free hydroxyl. Hydroxyl acts as the major cleaning agent for our atmosphere. Hydroxyl radicals are also very reactive and are used to decompose many pollutants and greenhouse gases, such as methane, which would otherwise contribute to global warming.

Why do some trees shine brighter than others?

After storms, different species are known to respond differently. According to a recent study conducted by scientists published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. This research has confirmed that the relative size of the tree canopy is responsible for producing greater or lesser amounts of ‘ghost’ light as it ages. Evergreen trees participate most actively in generating this electrical phenomenon. The pointed, needle-like leaf-shaped tips of conifers make excellently efficient natural ‘conductors’, allowing upward-produced electric fields to become highly concentrated at the tip of their pointed vine and more easily (and many times more often) than upward-produced electric flashes, producing blue light.

Imagine a vast underground palace, filled with treasures and guarded by an army of stone warriors, sealed away for more than two millennia. It is the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, who unified the country in 221 BC and pursued immortality until his death in 210 BC. According to the BBC, it was discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well near Xi’an, at the site of the famous Terracotta Army, thousands of life-size clay soldiers ready for battle. Yet, despite this astonishing discovery, archaeologists have never penetrated the emperor’s inner tomb. The whispers of deadly nets, rivers of poisonous mercury, and the fragile wonders within keep them at bay. It’s a mysterious mystery that combines ancient ingenuity with modern caution, raising questions about preservation versus curiosity in archaeology.

Are there deadly traps and mercury rivers in China? qin shi huang tomb

Ancient texts paint a dire picture of the tomb’s security. The historian Sima Qian in his Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji) describes crossbows to fire at intruders and mechanically flowing mercury to mimic China’s great rivers such as the Yangtze and the Yellow River. Sima Qian wrote, “Craftsmen were ordered to make crossbows and arrows to shoot at anyone who entered the tomb. Mercury was used to simulate the Hundred Rivers,” as also cited in historical accounts of the tomb’s construction.

Modern science supports these claims. A 2020 study published in Nature found unusually high levels of mercury in the soil around the grave mound, far higher than normal concentrations. Ground penetrating radar has revealed vast chambers and cavities beneath the 76 meter high pyramid-shaped mound, suggesting the complex “underground palace” described by Sima Qian. While some doubt that the traps are still working after 2,200 years, the mercury alone poses a risk of instability; If disturbed, it can rapidly evaporate, poisoning the air. The head of the team, archaeologist Duan Qingbo of the Shaanxi Provincial Archaeological Institute, confirmed the high mercury density emitted from the tomb during geological surveys. Duan told China Daily in 2006, “We found in a survey that the mercury concentration in the cemetery area of ​​Cunshihuang is exceptionally higher than that in the perimeter area.” These findings explain why experts proceed with caution; Opening a tomb may present dangers that we cannot fully anticipate.

Conservation risk of opening the emperor’s tomb

The Terracotta Army issues a stern warning. When first exposed to air in the 1970s, the Warriors’ vibrant paint, once brightly colored, faded within minutes. “When the Terracotta Army was uncovered in the 1970s, its bright colors faded within minutes of exposure to air,” the report on the site’s excavation challenges said. Inside the sealed central chamber, artifacts may be perfectly preserved in their pristine equilibrium, but sunlight, oxygen, and moisture can quickly destroy them.This was emphasized by Zhang Bai, Deputy Director of China’s State Administration of Cultural Heritage (SACH), at the 15th ICOMOS Assembly in Xi’an in 2005. “These cultural relics have been buried for more than 2,000 years and have achieved a state of equilibrium. If they are excavated improperly… they will quickly deteriorate,” Zhang said, citing an example where excavated ivory turned into powder in just two hours. SACH policy strictly limits excavations to cases of natural hazards, robberies or national needs, also disallowing nearby graves to avoid damaging the main site.Duan Qingbo reiterates this warning: “It is not the right time to open the tomb at this time, as many things remain unknown.” Recently non-invasive techniques such as remote sensing have revealed symmetrical stairs and wooden structures that have never been mentioned in records, proving that we still lack a complete understanding. To proceed hastily without guaranteed safety technology would be archaeological vandalism.

Official stance on China’s closed emperor’s tomb

As the World Intellectual Property Organization suggests, China’s cultural heritage laws prioritize “protection first”. The Law on the Protection of Cultural Heritage of the People’s Republic of China allows excavations only in severe circumstances, a principle SACH maintains for the Tomb of Qin Shi Huang. Even proposals for tourism or seismic protection were rejected in the 1990s.Michel Patzet, then president of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), supported this at the same Xi’an gathering: “Let Qianshihuang and its underground palace continue their deep sleep.” The political and moral layers add weight. Qin Shi Huang unified China, but through cruel methods and disrupting his comfort could spark cultural debate. The site’s World Heritage status since 1987 demands global standards of care.Today, the focus remains on the outer pits: more than 8,000 unique soldiers, chariots, and even the possible royal tomb of the recently excavated Prince Gao. These provide insight without jeopardizing the original. As Duan notes, the tomb’s ancient drainage system has kept its contents intact for millennia. Why gamble now?In the end, it is not cowardice to refuse to open this 2,200-year-old wonder; This is intelligence. By sealing off Qin Shi Huang’s tomb, archaeologists are honoring his legacy while waiting for technology that can truly unlock its secrets safely. Future generations may one day enter it, but for now, the Emperor’s eternal guardians stand watch, their secret intact.

The Human Resources Department of the Government of Dubai announced Eid Al Fitr 2026 holiday for Dubai’s public sector employees, confirming four days of holiday for government employees. The break will begin on Thursday, March 19 and government offices will reopen on Monday, March 23, offering four days off for public sector workers. The announcement comes as UAE residents prepare to celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan and one of the most important festivals of the Islamic calendar.

Dubai Eid al-Fitr 2026 holiday dates confirmed

Dubai authorities confirmed that government workers will observe the Eid Al Fitr holiday from Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22, 2026, with official working hours resuming on Monday, March 23.The four-day holiday is in line with the UAE’s federal holiday schedule for Eid Al Fitr, which traditionally marks the end of Ramadan, the fasting month celebrated by Muslims around the world.Public sector institutions across Dubai and the wider UAE will therefore remain closed during this period as employees celebrate the occasion with family gatherings, prayers and festivities.

Eid al Fitr 2026 holidays for private sector

Along with the public sector announcement, officials had earlier confirmed the holiday schedule for private sector employees in the UAE.Private sector workers will get paid leave from Thursday, March 19 to Saturday, March 21. However, if Ramzan lasts for 30 days, this leave could be extended till Sunday, March 22, giving workers a long weekend.This structure ensures that employees in both the public and private sectors enjoy equal leave periods while maintaining operational continuity for businesses across the country.

prompt salary to employees

In a move that will bring additional happiness to thousands of families, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has issued a special directive regarding monthly salaries. To ensure that families can shop for Eid gifts and prepare for feasts without financial stress, the government will pay March salaries early on March 17, 2026.This gesture allows workers to settle their Zakat Al Fitr early and avoid last-minute crowds at malls and traditional markets, making preparation for the holidays easier for everyone.

How to plan your four-day Eid Al Fitr in Dubai?

With four consecutive days off, the Eid holiday offers UAE residents a rare opportunity to pause, celebrate and refresh. For many families, this is the perfect time to get away from the routine, whether that means traveling, exploring a city or simply spending meaningful time with loved ones.One of the most popular ways for residents to celebrate the long weekend is by planning a short getaway. Hotels and resorts in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah usually offer special Eid packages, which include festive brunches, family entertainment and beach activities. These quick getaways allow residents to enjoy the vacation experience without the hassle of international travel.Others prefer to make the most of the vibrant atmosphere of Eid by exploring UAE attractions and celebrations. Shopping malls, theme parks and cultural venues often host fireworks, live performances and festive markets during the holidays, creating a lively atmosphere for families and visitors.

looking ahead

Eid al Fitr is one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar. The festival marks the end of a month of fasting, contemplation and charity during Ramadan.Throughout the UAE, the holiday is celebrated with special Eid prayers, family gatherings, festive meals and charity functions, while shopping malls, entertainment venues and tourist attractions typically see increased visitor numbers during the long weekend.For many residents, the Eid holidays are also an occasion for short vacations, travel plans and family reunions, making it one of the busiest festivals of the year in the country.

Humans are very curious to study the mysteries of the Moon, and hence scientists all over the world are trying their best to reach a place that can give them an ideal study to read the unknown facts about the Moon. The race to the moon continues in the US and China as their scientists look for ways to get their astronauts to the moon. The south pole of the Moon is considered one of the important sites for landing and is ideal for scientific research. Aitken Basin – The south pole of the Moon is the largest structure in the entire area. According to the study, China is aiming to conduct its first lunar mission by sending its astronauts to the Moon by the end of 2030.

Why is the South Pole the front line of the US-China moon race?

The US-China moon race is not just about landing and waving their nation’s flags, but it is about uncovering unknown secrets from the moon. The South Pole is considered to be the best place for observation purposes. There is a wonderful place near this pole which is known as Rimai Bode. A new paper in nature astronomy Has called this area ‘Geological Museum’. It does not include the frozen craters or shadowed craters found at the poles. Instead of polar craters formed during volcanic eruptions, the area has many polar crater-like features. Rimai Bode consists of volcanic plains, ancient highlands and river-like lava flow valleys, all in one place.Studies say the ‘scientific gold’ value at this location comes from the presence of pyroclastic deposits (tiny volcanic glass beads formed during volcanic eruptions three billion years ago). The tiny volcanic glass beads are like time capsules because they contain water and chemicals formed deep in the moon during volcanic activity. The lunar lander on China’s planned 2030 lander mission could resolve many unanswered questions about the formation of both the Moon and the Earth, and provide a more detailed picture of the Moon’s history than the polar lander, which is easier to study.

How will China actually surface?

A ‘phased’ method will be used by China instead of an all-in-one launch vehicle for a successful landing on the Moon by 2030, as NASA did with the Apollo programme. CMSA Two separate Long March 10 rockets will be sent to accomplish the mission, as both the manned spacecraft, Mengzhu (Dream Vessel), and the lander, Lanyu (Embrace the Moon), will have separate launches, according to the official CMSA mission profile. After a successful simultaneous landing in lunar orbit, the astronauts will be transferred to a lunar lander for final descent to the lunar surface.

What is ‘Tansuo’ Rover and how does it help?

China is currently working on the Tansuo crew rover, which will enable astronauts to continue exploring the Moon’s rugged terrain. According to a statement issued by Chinese Manned Space Agency (CMSA)The rover will accommodate 2 astronauts traveling on gray lunar soil.The rover will incorporate banking technology to maintain its stability when driving over slippery lunar regolith and steep slopes. It will also be a mobile laboratory for the Taikonauts, and each of them will be able to travel up to 10 km from their lunar lander to obtain ‘scientific gold’ – volcanic glass beads and other mineral samples that could change our understanding of the history of the Solar System.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the United States is aware of Iranian sleeper cells inside the country, as US and Israeli forces continued their military campaign against Iran. The operation, which has entered its second week, killed Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and has since been followed by Iran retaliating against US assets and allies.Asked by a Fox News reporter if he had been briefed about how many Iranian sleeper cells there might be inside the U.S., Trump responded, “I’ve been told, and a lot of them came through Biden with Biden’s open border, but we know where most of them are. I think we have our eyes on all of them.”

Blaming former President Joe Biden’s alleged open-border policies for allowing potential threats to enter, Trump said, “A lot of people came through Biden with his stupid open border, but we know where most of them are. We have our eyes on all of them,” calling Biden “one of the worst presidents in the history of our country.”

Trump said the military campaign against Iran was “being conducted at a scale that no one has ever seen before”, calling it “amazing to see”.Earlier, ABC News reports said that US officials had intercepted encrypted communications coming from Iran to undisclosed recipients. A federal alert said the content had not yet been determined, but asked law enforcement to increase monitoring of suspicious radio-frequency activity.“Although the exact content of these broadcasts cannot be determined at present, the sudden appearance of a new station with international rebroadcast characteristics heightens situational awareness,” the alert said.These warnings were given after the events in America following the death of Khamenei. A Senegalese man opened fire at a bar in Austin, Texas, killing three people, while two people were charged with attempting to support ISIS during a protest outside New York City’s Gracie Mansion, the official residence of NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani.Customs and Border Protection previously warned about the threat of sleeper cells after more than 700 Iranian citizens remained in the US despite crossing the border illegally over the past four years.FBI Director Kash Patel also said that counterterrorism teams are on high alert and working 24/7 to stop threats on US soil.“Last night, I directed our counterterrorism and intelligence teams to remain on high alert and mobilize all necessary security assets,” Patel wrote on Twitter shortly after the US operation began.

At least one person died and two oil tankers caught fire on Wednesday after explosions in the Persian Gulf off the coast of Basra, Iraq, that authorities suspect were caused by attacks.Reuters, citing preliminary findings of an Iraqi-led investigation into the incident, reported that Iranian boats laden with explosives may have attacked the ships.

Footage of the incident shows that the tankers were parked next to each other when the explosions occurred, causing a large fire that spread to the surrounding waters.The ships involved have been identified as the Maltese-flagged Zephyros and the Marshall Islands-flagged Cefsi Vishnu, CNN reports. According to the NYPost, the ships may have been carrying 400,000 barrels of Iraqi crude oil. .Farhan al-Fartousi, director general of the Iraqi Ports Company, told CNN that all 38 foreign crew members were evacuated from the damaged ships after the “explosion.” Pictures from the scene showed flames spreading in the water, suggesting oil was leaking from the ships.According to Al Jazeera, the incident occurred within Iraq’s territorial waters at Al Faw port near Basra. Cefsi Vishnu is owned by US-based Cefsi Transport Inc., while Zephyros is owned by a Greek company. SafeSea Transport did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The alleged attack comes amid rising tensions in the region and disruption to global oil supply routes. Oil prices have risen this week on concerns about shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key corridor through which about a fifth of the world’s oil passes daily.Military actions and retaliatory attacks related to the ongoing conflict in Iran have already disrupted traffic in the strait, forcing many producers to cut output. Iran has also threatened to block oil tankers from passing through the strategic waterway.The United States has responded by targeting several Iranian mining vessels earlier this week, while President Donald Trump has hinted he may release oil from the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve to stabilize prices. Separately, the International Energy Agency said its 31 member countries planned to release a record 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves to offset supply disruptions.

Like there’s tension everywhere middle east Air travel continues to be disrupted at the Indian Embassy Kuwait Steps have been taken to assist Indian citizens wishing to return home. Jazeera Airways, in coordination with Kuwaiti authorities and airline officials, is facilitating embassy travel arrangements Indian Affected by flight disruptions due to increasing regional conflict.The move comes at a time when the Iran versus US-Israel conflict, which began in late February this year, has led to massive airspace closures and suspension of flights across the Gulf, stranding thousands of passengers in several countries, including Kuwait.

Embassy coordinates emergency travel assistance amid Iran vs. US-Israel war

According to officials, India’s Ambassador to Kuwait Parmita Tripathi recently held discussions with representatives of Jazeera Airways to review the travel situation and explore ways to help Indian citizens reach their destinations. During the conversation, the Envoy emphasized that the safety and well-being of the Indian community in Kuwait remains the Embassy’s top priority.The Embassy stressed the importance of close coordination with airlines and local authorities to ensure timely assistance to Indians who urgently need to return to India or transit through the region. The discussion focused on providing alternative flight options and ensuring that stranded passengers get clear information about travel arrangements.

Travel disrupted in Kuwait due to airspace closure amid Iran vs US-Israel war

The situation became particularly challenging after Kuwait temporarily closed its airspace on 28 February following the outbreak of hostilities in the region. Due to this move everyone was suspended flights At Kuwait International Airport, the travel plans of thousands of passengers were disrupted.To maintain connectivity, airlines operating from Kuwait were forced to adjust operations. Jazeera Airways, one of the country’s leading low-cost carriers, shifted some of its services to Saudi Arabia’s Qaisumah International Airport, about a few hours by road from Kuwait. This solution has enabled passengers to travel to Saudi Arabia before flying to international destinations including India.The situation is particularly significant as Kuwait has one of the largest Indian expatriate populations in the Gulf, with approximately 640,000 people working in various sectors including health care, engineering, construction and business. For many of these migrants, reliable air connectivity is essential not only for routine travel but also for emergency situations such as medical needs, family emergencies or job-related travel.As a result, embassy coordination with airlines has become crucial in ensuring that Indians stranded due to flight disruptions can return home or continue their journey.

Widespread regional travel disruption amid Iran vs. US-Israel war

The Kuwait travel situation is part of a wider aviation crisis affecting the Middle East since the outbreak of the Iran-Israel-US conflict. Airlines across the region have canceled or diverted flights due to safety concerns and airspace restrictions. Many governments, including India, are working with airlines to organize special flights and emergency travel arrangements for citizens stranded in affected countries.For example, hundreds of Indian nationals stranded in Qatar were recently evacuated by special flights organized in coordination with airlines and diplomatic missions. Such measures highlight the increased diplomatic and logistical efforts required to keep civilian travel running amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Diplomatic efforts to support Indian community amid Iran vs US-Israel war

Officials say the Indian Embassy in Kuwait remains in constant touch with passengers, airlines and Kuwaiti authorities to monitor developments and respond promptly to any travel-related challenges. The Mission has also been issuing regular advisories urging Indian citizens to stay updated through official channels and avoid relying on unverified information circulated on social media.Embassy officials have reiterated that they will continue to engage with airlines and government agencies to ensure safe and timely travel options for Indian citizens until normal flight operations fully resume. For many Indians in Kuwait, the emerging travel situation remains uncertain. With regional tensions still ongoing and aviation routes constantly changing, travelers are closely monitoring updates from airlines and diplomatic missions.Yet the collaboration between the Indian Embassy and Jazeera Airways provides some measure of reassurance. By coordinating travel solutions during the volatile period, officials hope to ensure that Indian citizens in Kuwait remain connected to home, even as the broader Gulf region is going through one of its most tense geopolitical moments in years.

US-Israel-Iran war news live updates: The conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States has rapidly turned into one of the Middle East’s deadliest crises in years. The war began on February 28, when US and Israeli forces launched coordinated airstrikes across Iran, killing the country’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and triggering a wider regional conflict.

Since then, Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli bases and shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor through which about a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. The disruption has roiled global markets, sending oil prices sharply higher and prompting emergency releases from strategic reserves by major economies.

Iranian officials have warned that the conflict could escalate into a protracted conflict that would be capable of devastating the global economy. Tehran says it still maintains control over the Strait of Hormuz and has threatened to target economic infrastructure linked to the United States and Israel. Iranian forces have also targeted commercial ships in the Gulf, further escalating tensions and raising fears of a wider maritime crisis.

US President Donald Trump has vowed to “finish the job”, arguing that most major Iranian military targets have already been attacked, including mine-laying ships and other naval assets. However, Israeli officials say the operation is not yet complete and they still have an extensive list of targets inside Iran.

The conflict has spread beyond the immediate battlefield. Iran-backed terrorist group Hezbollah has launched attacks into Israel from Lebanon, leading to Israeli airstrikes in Beirut and eastern Lebanon. Hundreds of people were killed and thousands displaced.

Meanwhile, diplomatic tensions have intensified in the UN Security Council, which has demanded Iran to stop attacks on Gulf countries. As the fighting enters its second week, there are growing fears that the conflict could escalate and seriously disrupt global trade, energy supplies and regional stability.

The escalating conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel has now reached one of the Gulf’s most strategically important maritime hubs. On March 11, 2026, multiple drones attacked fuel storage tanks at the port of Salalah in Oman, causing a fire and raising concerns in global energy and shipping markets. Officials confirmed that while several drones were intercepted, others managed to penetrate air defenses and target oil storage infrastructure at the port.Although the attack caused serious fires in at least two fuel tanks, officials said there were no casualties among port workers or residents, and there was no damage to merchant ships moored nearby. The incident marks the latest escalation in a regional war that has increasingly spread beyond Iran, Israel and US targets to threaten Gulf energy infrastructure and maritime trade routes.

A fire breaks out at a strategic energy center in Oman amid Iran vs US-Israel war

Located along the Arabian Sea in the Dhofar region of Oman, the Port of Salalah is one of the middle eastMajor shipping and logistics center of India. The port handles container traffic, oil storage and bunkering operations to serve ships plying between Asia, Europe and Africa. When the drones attacked the facility, fuel tanks in the port’s storage area were set on fire, sending plumes of smoke into the sky. Videos circulating online showed parts of the oil depot engulfed in flames.Officials said emergency services responded quickly to bring the fire under control, while security forces struggled to stop additional drones from coming into the area. Many unmanned aerial vehicles were successfully shot down before reaching port. Despite the quick response, at least one drone managed to attack a storage area, highlighting the growing vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure across the Gulf.

Shipping and port operations disrupted in Oman’s Salalah port amid Iran vs US-Israel war

Following the attack, port operations were temporarily disrupted and shipping companies began to reevaluate security conditions in the area. One of the port’s major terminal operators confirmed that container terminal operations have been halted until further notice, while vessels in nearby waters have been advised to remain vigilant.Global shipping giant Maersk also halted activities at the port following the strike, citing security concerns around the facility. The shutdown highlights how an attack on a single energy storage facility could disrupt global supply chains, particularly in the Gulf, which handles a significant portion of the world’s oil and container shipping traffic.The Salalah strike is not an isolated incident. It is part of a broader campaign targeting ports, refineries and energy infrastructure across the region since the outbreak of the Iran-US-Israel war on February 28, 2026. Since the conflict began, many Gulf facilities have been hit or threatened by drone and missile attacks. Earlier in March, Oman’s Duqm port was also targeted by drones, damaging fuel storage tanks and injuring a foreign worker.In other events:

These incidents have increased fears that the conflict is expanding beyond military targets to economic infrastructure, particularly oil storage and shipping facilities.

Iran denies role in Salalah port drone attack amid war with US-Israel

Iran has suggested that the drone attack on Oman’s Salalah port may have been part of a “false flag” operation, raising doubts over who was actually responsible for the attack. In a statement quoted by the Khatam al-Anbiya (Holy Prophet) central headquarters, which coordinates Iran’s armed forces, a spokesman described the incident as “suspicious” and said the Islamic Republic was investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.Iranian officials denied that their forces had deliberately targeted Oman, stressing that the sultanate is considered a “friend and neighbor” and that Iran does not seek confrontation with nearby Muslim countries. Instead, Tehran warned that the United States and Israel could attempt false attacks on regional infrastructure to blame Iran and escalate conflict across the Gulf.According to the Iranian statement, such actions could include targeting diplomatic sites or strategic facilities in neighboring states to “damage Iran’s image” and draw additional countries into the war.

Why does Oman matter in the Iran vs. US-Israel conflict?

Oman’s historical role as a neutral mediator in Middle Eastern diplomacy makes the Salalah strike particularly significant. For decades, the Sultanate has maintained cordial relations with both Iran and Western countries, often hosting secret diplomatic talks. Oman played a key role in facilitating the early back-channel negotiations that ultimately resulted in the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Due to this neutral status, Oman has largely avoided becoming a battleground in regional conflicts.However, the latest drone attacks suggest that the war may now spread even to countries that have traditionally stayed out of the conflict. Analysts say the aim of targeting Omani infrastructure may be to send a message to Gulf countries that are cooperating in US or Israeli military activities.

Growing risks to global energy markets amid Iran vs US-Israel war

The attack on Salalah has raised concerns about the security of oil infrastructure across the Gulf. The region is home to some of the world’s most important energy facilities, including major refineries, export terminals and shipping routes. Energy analysts warn that continued attacks on fuel depots and ports could have several consequences:

Even relatively small disruptions can have major impacts on global markets as the Gulf region exports a significant portion of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas.

Growing role of drone warfare

The attack also reflects the growing role of drones in modern warfare, particularly in the Middle East. Compared to conventional missiles or air strikes, drones are cheaper to deploy, harder to detect, able to travel long distances and capable of targeting infrastructure with precision.Many drones used in regional conflicts resemble hovering weapons, sometimes called “kamikaze drones”, that hover near targets before attacking. Their increased use has changed how conflicts affect infrastructure, allowing attackers to attack ports, refineries and airports far from traditional battlefields.

Iran’s position and territorial claims amid war with America-Israel

While many analysts and security companies attribute the attacks to Iranian retaliation against US and Israeli targets, Tehran has previously denied responsibility for some of the attacks on neighboring countries. Iranian officials have argued that attacks against neutral states may be part of efforts by rival actors to escalate the conflict and blame Iran.At the same time, Western and Gulf officials say Iran’s military strategy includes targeting energy infrastructure across the region as part of a broader confrontation with Washington and Tel Aviv. The attack on Salalah highlights how the ongoing war is slowly spreading across the region.According to regional reports, the escalating conflict has already caused significant casualties and damage in several countries and affected thousands of people. The risks and threats of escalation increase with each new attack, especially if critical energy infrastructure or shipping routes are repeatedly targeted.The drone attack on Oman’s Salalah port marks a dangerous new phase in the Iran vs. US-Israel conflict, threatening not only military targets but also the Gulf region’s economic lifelines. For a country like Oman, long known for its diplomatic neutrality, the attack underscores how the conflict is expanding far beyond its original battlefield.With increasing threats to energy facilities, shipping hubs and ports, warfare is no longer limited to missiles and military bases. It is now testing the resilience of global trade routes and energy supply chains and if attacks on strategic ports continue, the impact could soon be felt not only in the Middle East but also on the global economy.