Saudi East-West Pipeline Shut After Drone Attack Launched from Iraq

Saudi Arabia has shut down a critical oil pipeline following a drone attack launched from Iraq that sparked a fire, authorities confirmed. The East-West pipeline, vital for bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, was closed as a precaution.

The pipeline connects Abqaiq on the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, serving as a key alternative export route. The Saudi Foreign Ministry reported a fire near Medina resulting in human casualties and material damage.

A Riyadh official confirmed injuries from the attack and subsequent blaze, noting the shutdown was precautionary.

Baghdad acknowledged the attack originated from its territory, dismissing the commander of the southern Maysan province in response.

Riyadh has long accused Iran-aligned factions in Iraq of targeting its energy infrastructure with drones.

The Gulf Cooperation Council condemned the strike as a dangerous escalation and an unacceptable threat to Saudi security.

For now, Saudi Arabia said it would refrain from direct retaliation, opting to support Iraqi efforts to prevent cross-border attacks.

The incident follows the Iran-backed Houthi seizure of a strategic island in the Bab al-Mandab Strait a day earlier, a chokepoint critical to global oil shipments. The rebels claimed the move aims to blockade Saudi trade, though they asserted navigation remains safe for all other vessels.

The escalation compounds a series of confrontations since the U.S.-Israel campaign against Iran began in February, driving crude prices above $100 a barrel and fuel costs to record highs.

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