Saudi Arabia Shuts Down East-West Pipeline After Drone Attacks Attributed to Iraq
Saudi Arabia suspended operations on its critical East-West crude oil pipeline following drone attacks that Riyadh blamed on Iraq. In response, the Iraqi government launched an investigation and dismissed a military commander in Maysan province, while U.S. President Donald Trump suggested Iran was likely responsible for the incident.
Saudi Arabia has shut down its East-West crude oil pipeline as a precautionary measure after the infrastructure came under drone attack. The Saudi foreign ministry stated that several drones causing human injuries and damage originated from Iraq.
Iraq’s government confirmed that the attacks originated from its territory and ordered an investigation into the operations command of Maysan province. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi subsequently dismissed the military commander of Maysan province in response to the incidents.
An umbrella group of Iran-backed militias in Iraq denied involvement in the pipeline attacks but praised the Houthis for their battlefield victories. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Iran was "probably" responsible for the pipeline attack while speaking to reporters in Dublin.
The shutdown comes at a time when Saudi Arabia has increased exports via the East-West pipeline because the Strait of Hormuz was disrupted by the Iran-U.S. war. The pipeline, which spans 745 miles (1,200km), is vital for bypassing the strategic chokepoint.
Regional tensions are further escalated by Houthi advances in Yemen. Rebels recently seized Perim Island in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical shipping lane through which about 12% of global trade passes. These disruptions have contributed to rising global oil prices, with costs climbing past $100 (£74) a barrel.
In addition to the diplomatic fallout, Iraq closed two key border crossings with Iran, Shalamcheh and Chazabeh, halting passenger and commercial traffic. Several Arab countries, including Kuwait, UAE, Oman, Egypt, Bahrain, Jordan, and Qatar, condemned the attack on the Saudi pipeline.