Saudi Arabia has temporarily closed its East-West pipeline after it became the target of an airstrike, with reports indicating the attack originated from Iraq, although the responsible party remains unclear.
The world’s largest oil exporter shut down the vital pipeline following a drone strike, as confirmed by both Baghdad and Riyadh, according to Reuters.
In Iraq, which borders Saudi Arabia, Iranian-backed groups are active. Following the attack, the Iraqi government dismissed a military commander on Saturday.
The 1,200-kilometer pipeline, which traverses the Arabian Peninsula, has enabled Saudi Arabia to bypass blockages in the Strait of Hormuz, where tanker traffic has dwindled to minimal levels due to the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict.
Pipeline Essential to Global Oil Market
The Saudi Ministry of Energy stated the pipeline was closed as a precaution. In recent months, it has transported between 4 and 5 million barrels per day, accounting for roughly 4% to 5% of the global oil supply, according to monitoring firms and analysts.
This incident coincides with an increased control of the Red Sea by Houthi rebels from Yemen, who are aligned with Iran.
This situation, coupled with disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, has triggered an energy crisis on both sides of the Arabian Peninsula, leading global oil prices to surpass $100 per barrel once again.
Saudi crude supplies have fallen to their lowest levels in over three decades, as reported by the International Energy Agency on Friday, partially due to attacks on vessels navigating the Bab el-Mandeb strait carried out by Houthi-affiliated groups.
Saudi Arabia Decides Against Immediate Retaliation
The East-West pipeline was struck on Thursday morning in regions near Riyadh and Medina, according to the Saudi Ministry of Energy.
It remains unclear who was responsible for the attacks. Satellite images displayed black smoke rising from a section of the pipeline located south of Medina. The attack resulted in several injuries, and damage is currently being assessed without details on its impact on exports, stated the Saudi Foreign Ministry.
The dismissed Iraqi military commander had been overseeing operations in the Maysan province, which borders Iran in southeastern Iraq and has long been a region where Iranian-backed militias operate.
Saudi Arabia has opted not to retaliate for the moment, responding to a request from the Iraqi Prime Minister, as noted by the Saudi Foreign Ministry. However, the kingdom has reserved the right to “take all necessary measures” to protect its interests, while the Iraqi government condemned the attacks.
Iraq responded by ordering the closure of the Shalamcheh border crossing between Iraq and Iran as a precautionary measure, according to two security sources speaking to Reuters. This crossing is a key route for Iraq’s imports of vegetables and other food products from Iran.
International news agency sources reported that a large-scale operation is underway to identify the individuals responsible for the attack on the pipeline.
Houthi Rebels Capture Strategic Island
Four sources from the Yemeni government indicated to Reuters that Houthi rebels captured the strategic Perim Island at the entrance of the Red Sea, located in the Bab el-Mandeb strait, on Friday.
The two reported attacks on Friday – one on the pipeline and another on Perim Island – could signify a dangerous escalation, as diplomatic efforts to end the war have reached a stalemate.
Saudi Arabia has requested military assistance from the U.S. against the Houthi group, at a time when rising fuel prices during the war have already negatively impacted U.S. President Donald Trump and the Republican Party ahead of the upcoming November elections.
According to a Yemeni government official, the entire Yemeni coastline along the Red Sea is now under the control of Houthi rebels supported by Iran.
