Was the Iranian drone attack on Ras Tanura refinery of Saudi Arabia a strategic mistake or a strategic message? And will it change the course of the conflict, drawing more players into the warzone.

In the Middle East war theatre, Iran's retaliation has not been limited only to the US military and strategic assets in Arab nations. Plush Dubai localities, including the vicinity of Burj Khalifa, high rises in Bahrain, and several other civilian sites at the Arab allies of the US have been targeted.

Saudi Arabia's state-owned Saudi Aramco's Ras Tanura refinery being the biggest hit in the last three days. Was it a stray incident? No. Saudi ministry of defence has said multiple drones were shot down mid-air. This indicates that the attack, which led to the shutting down of the refinery, was pre-planned and well thought out by Iran.

Ras Tanura refinery is Saudi Aramco's largest refinery and is a major supplier of diesel to Europe. A former diplomat told Fortune India on condition of anonymity that Iran wants to give out a clear message to the US allies that it will not differentiate between the US and those offering their soil to the US against Iran.

"It is a strategic message to the US allies. Look at the choices of the targets. From the very first day, Iran has been attacking the economic nerve centres of the US allies. Today's drone attack on Aramco refinery is the biggest attack in the last three days," he said. 

"It simply wants to inflict economic losses on the allies, and convey that siding with the U.S. may not ensure its protection," the diplomat said. 

European leaders have issued statement against Iranian attacks on Arab nations

With the refinery now shut, Europe will soon feel the heat of rising energy prices, given the large share of supplies. European leaders have already expressed exasperation on Iranian attacks against the Arab nations. 

"The leaders of France, Germany and United Kingdom are appalled by the indiscriminate and disproportionate missile attacks launched by Iran against countries in the region including those who are not involved in the initial U.S. and Israeli military operations," said the leaders of France, Germany, and the UK on Sunday. 

"Iran's reckless attacks are targeting our close allies and are threatening our service personal and our civilians across the region," the statement said. 

"We will take steps to defend our interests and those of our allies in the region potentially through enabling necessary and proportionate defensive action to destroy Iran's capability to fire missiles and drones at their source. We have agreed to work together with the US and allies in the region on this matter," the statement said. 

Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas said Iran’s attacks on a number of countries in the Middle East are inexcusable.

"The events must not lead to further escalation that could threaten the region, Europe and beyond, with unpredictable consequences. We are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of EU citizens in the region," Kallas said in a post on X. 

"The EU expresses its solidarity with partners that have been attacked or affected. We will continue to contribute to all diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and bring about a lasting solution to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon," Kallas added.

Meanwhile, ruling out renewed negotiations with Washington, Iran's top national security official, Ali Larijani said short while ago that Iran is prepared for a long war.