Saudi Arabia Temporarily Closes East-West Oil Pipeline Following Drone Attacks

Saudi Arabia has temporarily shut down its East-West oil pipeline after drone attacks that both Riyadh and Baghdad state originated in Iraq. The 1,200 kilometer pipeline is a critical crude export route used to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, which has been largely shut by war for the past six months. The pipeline has been moving between 4 million and 5 million barrels per day, representing approximately 4 percent to 5 percent of the global supply. The Saudi Foreign Ministry reported that the attack caused damage and injuries, with satellite images showing black smoke south of Medina. In response to the incident, Iraq dismissed a military commander on September 12. While no group has claimed responsibility, center-left and center framing attributes the attack to Iranian-backed militias operating in Iraq. US President Donald Trump stated that Iran was likely to blame. In related developments, the Saudi Civil Defence reported that Houthi projectiles injured two people and damaged buildings in the Jazan region. Additionally, Yemeni government sources report that the Houthis seized the strategic island of Perim in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly requested US military help to fight the Houthis, though the US indicated it would provide intelligence rather than direct intervention. Iran is scheduled to meet with Gulf Arab states in Oman on Monday to discuss the Strait of Hormuz, although an Iranian official expressed skepticism regarding a breakthrough.