Saudi Arabia Shuts Down Oil Pipeline Following Drone Attacks from Iraq

Saudi Arabia announced that it has temporarily halted the strategic East-West oil pipeline, used to bypass the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, due to drone attacks originating from Iraq.

East-West Pipeline Closed

Saudi Arabia, the world's largest crude oil exporter, announced the closure of the 1,200-kilometer pipeline connecting Abqaiq near the Persian Gulf to the Yanbu port on the Red Sea.

The Saudi foreign ministry condemned the attacks, in which multiple drones originating from Iraq targeted the pipeline in the Riyadh and Medina regions, causing injuries and damage.

Iraq's Investigation and Reactions

The administration in Baghdad confirmed that the attacks were launched from its territory, launched an official investigation, and dismissed the commander of the southern province of Maysan.

While US President Donald Trump stated that he believes Tehran is behind the attacks, the Iraqi government also condemned the attacks and attempted to take measures under international pressure.

Regional Developments and Market Impacts

As the Houthis in Yemen captured the strategic Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb strait, oil prices surged above $100 per barrel this week.

According to the International Energy Agency, Saudi oil exports via the Red Sea port have more than doubled since the beginning of the war.