Saudi Arabia has shut a vital oil pipeline after it was struck by drones launched from Iraq, as regional conflict intensifies.
Iraq announced it dismissed a military commander and opened an inquiry after confirming the drone attack on the neighboring East‑West pipeline originated in a province bordering Iran.
The 1,200‑kilometre (745‑mile) pipeline has enabled Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest crude oil exporter, to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.
The incident follows a significant escalation by Iran‑backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, heightening pressure on global oil shipping routes as the US‑Iran conflict enters its seventh month.
Riyadh announced on Friday that it closed the pipeline as a precaution, with satellite images showing scorched ground and smoke near the site.
The foreign ministry reported that the attack caused injuries and damage, which are still being assessed.
The pipeline has conveyed roughly 4% to 5% of global oil supply, according to Reuters, which cited ship‑tracking firms and analysts.
Saudi Arabia has decided not to retaliate at this stage, its foreign ministry said, after a call with Iraq’s prime minister.
It said the kingdom would support Iraqi government efforts to prevent attacks launched from its territory against neighboring states.
The statement added that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and security, safeguard its facilities, and ensure the safety of its citizens and residents.
The Iraqi prime minister’s office in its own statement reported that the operations commander in the Maysan governorate — a province bordering Iran — had been removed from his post after confirmation the drone attack had been launched from that region.