Video that has come to light captures a drone strike at the port of Duqm, on the eastern coast of Oman, amid the broader escalation in the Middle East. In the footage, whose authenticity has been confirmed by the BBC, a drone can be seen crashing into fuel tanks, causing a powerful explosion and thick cloud of smoke. The incident comes at a time when Gulf countries are on heightened alert due to developments following the military confrontation between Israel, the United States and Iran. According to maritime risk assessment company Vanguard Tech, the fuel tanks at the port were targeted by multiple drones. The images show the moment of impact and the subsequent explosion, while in the background a large column of smoke can be seen rising from the facilities.
What Oman’s authorities announced
Omani authorities were quick to state that damage was limited and that there were no casualties. The country’s official news agency reported that two drones were intercepted in the Dhofar governorate, in the southern part of the sultanate, while a third crashed near the port of Salalah. Local media reported that one worker was slightly injured. The situation at the port was quickly brought under control, with authorities assuring that the operation of the facilities was not affected to a degree that would seriously disrupt maritime activity.
Tehran’s denial
Meanwhile, Iran categorically denied any involvement in military attacks against Oman. The country’s General Staff of Armed Forces, according to state network Press TV, announced that there was no attack on Omani territory, rejecting related reports. Tehran characterized Oman as a “friend and neighbor,” highlighting the sultanate’s longstanding role as a mediator in regional tensions. It is worth noting that Oman had assumed a mediating role in recent contacts between Washington and Tehran, shortly before the outbreak of hostilities.
Against the backdrop of war in the Middle East
Since the conflict began on Saturday, Gulf countries have reported incidents of drone and missile attacks. The incident at Duqm intensifies concerns about further expansion of the crisis to strategic energy and maritime infrastructure. The attack, if its full scope is confirmed, highlights the vulnerability of critical energy installations during a period of heightened geopolitical instability, with international markets closely monitoring every development that could affect the flow of fuel and commodities in the region.
Iranian suicide drones are striking the Port of Salalah in Oman.
This is the same Oman that did everything they could to help Iran avoid a war by holding peace talks between the U.S. and Iran in Oman.
This is how Iran returns the favor… pic.twitter.com/kht0X2u4vS
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) March 3, 2026
