Drone Strike Hits Duqm Port, Injuring One Worker in First Attack on Sultanate

Oman confirmed on Sunday that drones targeted the commercial port of Duqm, injuring one foreign worker in what marks the first attack on the sultanate since Iran launched its retaliation campaign across the Gulf.

According to the Oman News Agency, “A security source reported that the commercial port of Duqm was targeted by two drones. One drone struck a mobile workers’ accommodation, injuring one foreign worker, while debris from the other landed near fuel tanks, causing no casualties or material damage.”

The strike on Duqm port represents a significant escalation, as Oman had previously remained outside the direct line of fire despite mounting regional tensions linked to Iran’s response to recent military actions.

US Embassy in Muscat issues shelter-in-place advisory

Earlier on Sunday, the US Embassy in Oman instructed its personnel and American citizens to shelter in place, citing unspecified activity outside the capital, Muscat.

“Due to ongoing activity outside of Muscat, the US Embassy in Oman has instructed staff to shelter-in-place (ie, take cover). We recommend all Americans in Oman do the same until further notice,” the embassy said in a post on X.

It was not immediately clear whether the embassy’s warning was directly linked to the drone strike on Duqm port or other security developments in the area.

Oman’s mediation role under pressure

Oman has played a key role as a mediator in US-Iran talks in recent years, facilitating backchannel diplomacy and regional de-escalation efforts. Until Sunday’s incident, the sultanate had been spared from direct Iranian attacks as Tehran expanded its military retaliation across the Gulf.

The drone attack on Duqm port raises fresh concerns about the widening geographic scope of the crisis and potential risks to Gulf shipping lanes, energy infrastructure and diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation.

Authorities have not yet provided additional details on the origin of the drones or whether further security measures will be implemented at Omani ports and strategic facilities.