Saudi Arabia has temporarily shut down its strategic East-West oil pipeline after it was reportedly targeted by drones launched from Iraqi territory. The attack caused damage and left several people injured, while Saudi authorities began assessing the full impact of the incident.
Riyadh said the shutdown was taken as a precautionary measure. Saudi Arabia also indicated that it would not retaliate against Iraq for the time being, while its Foreign Ministry said the kingdom would support efforts by the Iraqi government to prevent further attacks originating from its territory.
The East-West pipeline, stretching roughly 1,200 kilometers, is one of Saudi Arabia’s most important energy infrastructure projects. It allows the kingdom to transport crude oil to ports on the Red Sea, providing an alternative route that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important oil transit routes.
According to data cited by Reuters, the pipeline has carried around 4–5% of global oil supplies, raising concerns about the potential impact on international energy markets if the disruption continues for an extended period.
Iraq has acknowledged that the drone attack originated from its territory. The office of the Iraqi prime minister said the commander of operations in Maysan province had been dismissed after it was confirmed that the attack was launched from the area, which borders Iran. Iraqi authorities have also opened an investigation into the incident.
Saudi Arabia has meanwhile warned that it reserves the right to take any necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security and strategic facilities, as well as the country’s citizens and residents.
The attack was also condemned by the Gulf Cooperation Council, which described it as a dangerous escalation and an unacceptable threat to Saudi Arabia’s security and critical infrastructure.
