Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the Middle East's top aluminum producer, halted operations at its Al Taweelah smelter after Iranian missiles and drones struck the site over the weekend. The attacks caused a power outage, forcing smelting potlines into an uncontrolled shutdown. Metal solidified inside circuits, causing significant damage, according to a source.

Aluminum futures on the London Metal Exchange surged following the strikes, with Aluminium Bahrain also confirming its operations were attacked. The two plants produce 1.6 million tons of aluminum annually, contributing to the Middle East's 9% global supply. Even before the attacks, the Strait of Hormuz closure left producers short of critical inputs, raising concerns about cascading production cuts unless the strait reopens soon.