Saudi Arabia has shut down its East-West oil pipeline after a drone attack, as conflict widens across the Middle East. Both Riyadh and Baghdad confirmed the attack originated from Iraq where Iranian-backed militias operate. Iraq dismissed the military commander overseeing the border province where the strike began and launched an investigation.
The 1,200-km pipeline lets Saudi Arabia bypass the congested Strait of Hormuz normally carries 4–5% of global oil supply. The Saudi Energy Ministry said the closure was precautionary after satellite images showed smoke rising near Medina. The Foreign Ministry reported injuries and damage still being assessed and said Saudi Arabia would not retaliate for now following a request from Iraq's prime minister though it reserved the right to defend its security.
The attack coincides with Iran-backed Houthi rebels seizing Yemen's Perim Island and other strategic points near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key Red Sea route. Combined with ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz amid the seven-month U.S.-Iran war and global oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel.
The Gulf Cooperation Council condemned the pipeline attack as a serious escalation. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has asked the U.S. for military help against the Houthis also Washington has offered intelligence support but ruled out direct military action for now.
Iran is set to meet Gulf states in Oman on Monday to discuss tensions in the Strait of Hormuz as diplomatic efforts to end the broader conflict remain stalled.
