Saudi Arabia Shuts Key Oil Pipeline After Drone Attack Launched From Iraq

Riyadh (GNP): Saudi Arabia has shut down its strategic East-West oil pipeline as a precautionary measure after the facility was struck by drones launched from Iraqi territory, deepening concerns over the security of global energy supply routes amid the widening Middle East conflict.

The attack targeted pipeline infrastructure in the Riyadh and Madinah regions on Thursday, causing fires, injuries and damage that authorities are still assessing. Emergency teams were deployed to secure the site and begin repair work, while the extent of the disruption to operations remains unclear.

The East-West pipeline has long served as Saudi Arabia’s principal alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, carrying crude oil overland from the kingdom’s eastern fields to the export terminal at Yanbu on the Red Sea. With capacity to move up to seven million barrels a day, the route has taken on added importance as tensions between the United States and Iran have placed maritime shipping lanes under sustained pressure. Industry estimates suggest the pipeline accounts for four to five percent of global oil supply, underscoring the scale of the disruption caused by its closure.

Iraq’s government responded swiftly after confirming that the drones had originated from Maysan governorate, a province bordering Iran. The operations commander overseeing military activity in the area was removed from his post, and Baghdad has launched a formal investigation to identify those responsible for the strikes. The Iraqi Prime Minister condemned the attack and pledged full cooperation in preventing further launches from Iraqi soil.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed it would refrain from immediate retaliation, citing a direct request from Iraq’s Prime Minister for time to address the threat internally. The ministry said the kingdom’s decision was intended to support the Iraqi government’s efforts to prevent attacks against Saudi Arabia and other neighbouring states. It added, however, that the kingdom reserves the right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty, protect its facilities and ensure the safety of its citizens and residents.

The Gulf Cooperation Council, representing the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait, issued a statement condemning the strike as a dangerous escalation and a violation of international law.

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The pipeline attack comes as Houthi rebel forces in Yemen continue a rapid advance along the country’s coastline, reportedly gaining control of significant stretches of territory including areas near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical gateway to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. The group has stated that maritime navigation through the strait remains open to all vessels except those belonging to Saudi Arabia, further tightening the squeeze on regional shipping routes from both directions.

The combined developments in Iraq and Yemen have pushed crude oil prices above 100 dollars a barrel for the first time in several months, reflecting growing market anxiety over the security of Middle Eastern energy infrastructure as the confrontation between the United States and Iran continues.

An official from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Kingdom affirms its right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and its facilities.