Iran launched a missile strike on an oil refinery in Haifa

On Thursday, March 19, 2026, Israel’s largest oil refinery in Haifa (Bazan Group) came under heavy rocket fire from Iran. There are only two oil refineries in the country.

According to Iranian media and eyewitness accounts, several waves of ballistic missiles were fired at the facility, causing fires and a partial power outage in certain areas of the city. This attack is part of a large-scale escalation in the Middle East, which has been ongoing for 20 days since the start of the joint U.S.-Israeli military operation against the Iranian regime.

The Haifa refinery is a strategic facility, as it supplies about 50–60% of Israel’s fuel needs, including 60% of diesel fuel and half of the country’s gasoline. The facility processes approximately 197,000 barrels of oil per day, which is critical to the functioning of the country’s transportation, aviation, and military sectors. In addition to the refinery, the strikes also hit a local power plant, causing power outages in the region.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that debris fell and strikes occurred in the Haifa area, noting that some of the missiles were intercepted by air defense systems. Rescue services are currently working at the scene of the incident; information on casualties is being verified. Due to the escalation of the situation, Brent crude oil prices on global markets have already surged sharply, exceeding $114 per barrel.

On March 19, air raid sirens sounded nine times in Jerusalem.

Israel also struck Iran’s naval forces in the Caspian Sea for the first time.

The U.S. is attempting to communicate with the Iranians despite the internet blackout.

Iran has threatened a stronger response to the strikes.

The U.S. claimed control after striking Iran’s oil island—Al Jazeera.

In the U.S., there is talk of Iran’s intentions to resume its nuclear program.

The US and Israel have different goals in the war with Iran—CNN.

Six countries are ready to resume shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

The US destroyed Iran’s fortifiedmissile sites near the Strait of Hormuz.

As a reminder, about 20,000 sailors are stranded due to the conflict surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.

Thousands of ships have also come to a standstill near the Strait of Hormuz.