Ryanair: Jet Fuel Shortage & NATO Strain – May Disruption

Escalating tensions in the Middle East have prompted the National Bank of Kuwait to close its headquarters and a branch near the airport, following reports of an Iranian drone attack at Kuwait’s airport that ignited fuel tanks. Simultaneously, strikes have been reported across the region, with Israel confirming a strike in Iran targeting a senior engineering officer of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Bank Closures and Attacks in Kuwait

The National Bank of Kuwait announced the closure of its headquarters in Kuwait City and a branch in Subhan due to “current developments and in the interest of everyone’s safety and business continuity,” according to a statement. This follows reports of an Iranian drone attack at Kuwait airport which caused a large fire after striking fuel tanks.

Israeli Strike in Iran

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that Mahdi Vafaei, chief of engineering in the IRGC Quds Force’s Lebanon Corps, was killed in a strike in Mahallat on Tuesday. The IDF alleges Vafaei led efforts to establish underground terrorist infrastructure for Hizbullah and the Assad Regime in Syria, advancing projects across Lebanon and Syria for two decades, including storage for advanced weaponry.

Jet Fuel Supply Concerns

Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary has warned of potential disruptions to jet fuel supply starting in “early May” if the conflict continues beyond the end of April. While Ryanair is hedged on 80 per cent of its fuel, the remaining 20 per cent is being purchased at around $150 a barrel. O’Leary expressed hope for a swift resolution to the conflict to avoid supply risks.

Oil Tanker Struck in Qatar

Qatar confirmed it was targeted by three Iranian cruise missiles on Wednesday. Two were intercepted, but the third struck an oil tanker leased to QatarEnergy in northern waters. The crew of 21 were evacuated, and no injuries were reported. QatarEnergy stated there was no environmental impact from the incident.

Houthi Missile Attack on Israel

Houthi forces in Yemen claimed responsibility for a missile attack on southern Israel, stating it was a joint operation with Iran and Hizbullah. The Houthis said they targeted “sensitive Israeli enemy targets” with ballistic missiles and threatened further escalation if Israel continues attacks in Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, the occupied West Bank, and Gaza.

Injuries in Central Israel

An 11-year-old girl was seriously wounded by shrapnel in central Israel following a missile attack attributed to Iran. Emergency medical services reported at least 13 others were injured, including a 13-year-old boy and a 36-year-old woman, all from the same impact site. Israeli media reported the use of cluster munitions in the attack.

IDF Intercepts Missiles from Iran

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported launching interceptions of missiles fired from Iran on Wednesday morning, advising residents in affected areas to seek shelter.

Casualty in UAE

One person, a Bangladeshi national, was killed after debris from an intercepted drone fell on a farm in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, according to state media.

Widespread Strikes Across the Middle East

Multiple aerial attacks were reported throughout the Middle East on Wednesday, including drones hitting fuel tanks at Kuwait’s international airport and a fire at a company facility in Bahrain. A tanker near Doha was also hit, and explosions were heard in Tehran following US-Israeli air strikes. Israel also struck a plant allegedly supplying Iran with fentanyl.

US-NATO Relationship Under Scrutiny

US Senator Marco Rubio suggested Washington could be nearing the “finish line” in the Iran conflict and that the US may need to re-examine its relationship with NATO following the conflict. He noted potential messages being exchanged between Iran and the US, and the possibility of a direct meeting.

Trump Predicts End to Conflict

Former US president Donald Trump estimated the US will be done attacking Iran in two to three weeks, stating securing the Strait of Hormuz is not a US responsibility. He also criticized European allies for not providing more support and restricting US access to their airspace.

Iran in Contact with US Envoy

Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, acknowledged receiving direct messages from US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, but stated this does not indicate negotiations are underway, expressing a lack of faith in achieving results through talks with the US. He also stated Iran is prepared to confront any potential ground attack.