Iran Strikes Bahrain's Bapco Oil Refinery — Force Majeure Declared, Refinery Ablaze

Iranian drones struck Bahrain's Al Ma'ameer oil facility — home to the Bapco refinery, Bahrain's primary oil refinery and a key facility in the kingdom's energy sector. The attack set the complex ablaze, with thick smoke visible rising from the site. Bahrain's state oil company declared force majeure for its shipments, stating operations had been 'affected by the ongoing regional conflict in the Middle East and the recent attack on its refinery complex.' The company insisted local demand could still be met. No casualties were reported. The strike on Bapco is the first confirmed strike on an operating oil refinery in the war. While Iranian attacks have previously targeted desalination plants, military bases, and residential areas across the Gulf, the targeting of Bahrain's primary oil refinery represents a direct attack on Gulf energy production infrastructure. Bahrain hosts the US 5th Fleet and has been a repeated Iranian target throughout the conflict. The force majeure declaration means Bahrain is legally released from contractual oil delivery obligations — with significant downstream implications for any buyers relying on Bahraini crude or refined products.