Strategic Port of Salalah (Oman) Suspends Operations Following UAV Attack

Port of Salalah (Source: Timesofoman)

On the morning of March 28, the Port of Salalah in Oman - a critical logistics link on the Arabian Sea - suffered an armed attack. Oman's official state news agency condemned the attack by Iran, denouncing it as a violation of national sovereignty and emphasizing the terminal's critical role in maintaining a lifeline for the entire region.

Infrastructure Damage Details and Ocean Carrier Responses

Specifically, two Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs/drones) targeted the port area. On-site video footage shows one UAV striking and severely damaging a massive container Ship-to-Shore (STS) crane. Although no vessels were at berth at the time, images reveal the crane buckled and collapsed, with part of its structure submerged underwater following the strike.

An official statement confirmed that one foreign worker sustained moderate injuries. Terminal operations were suspended immediately to conduct a comprehensive damage assessment.

Regarding major shipping lines, Maersk quickly issued an advisory confirming that none of its vessels or cargo were affected, and all crew members remain safe. The Danish carrier estimates that port operations will be paused for approximately 48 hours.

The Strategic Importance of the Port of Salalah

Iranian armed forces claimed responsibility for the incident, declaring their actual target was a US logistics vessel. They also highlighted that the strike was executed from a significant distance, spanning over 1,000 kilometers (more than 620 miles) from the Iranian coastline.

Thanks to its prime location outside the Persian Gulf and far from the Strait of Hormuz chokepoint, Salalah has emerged as a crucial regional transshipment hub. In 2024, the port handled over 3.3 million TEUs alongside substantial dry bulk volumes. Notably, in just the first nine months of 2025, the port's throughput nearly matched its total volume for the entire previous year.

Since the outbreak of military tensions, Salalah has served as a vital overland logistics connection to Gulf states. Previously, on March 3, the port was also targeted and had to briefly halt operations before resuming the following day.

Fallout from the Gulf Hotspot

The provocations against Oman appear to be part of Iran's broader, prolonged campaign targeting neighboring Arab states, which Tehran accuses of backing the US.

The UAE Ministry of Defense reported that on Saturday alone, they intercepted 20 ballistic missiles and 37 UAVs. Since the onset of the conflict, the total number of weapons launched by Iran toward the UAE has reached 398 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,872 UAVs. Recorded casualties include two military personnel, one military contractor, and eight civilians killed, along with 178 individuals injured. Amidst this chain of events, Kuwait International Airport also became a target of UAV attacks, with unconfirmed reports of new fires.

In Saudi Arabia, the situation also continues to escalate with what can be considered the most severe attacks targeting a US base. Media outlets widely reported that dozens of US military personnel were injured and several refueling aircraft were damaged. US Central Command (CENTCOM) has not yet commented on this specific incident, but did issue a statement rejecting Iranian claims of mass casualties in an attack in Dubai.

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Source: Phaata.com (According to Maritime-Executive)

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