Saudi Arabia has temporarily shut a critical oil export pipeline after accusing militants of launching drone attacks from Iraq, prompting Baghdad to open an investigation and close border crossings with Iran.
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Key facts
- Saudi Arabia shut its East-West oil pipeline after a drone attack it blamed on militants in Iraq.
- The 745-mile (1,200km) pipeline links Abqaiq near the Gulf to the Red Sea port of Yanbu.
- Iraq opened an investigation, dismissed a military commander and closed three crossings to Iran.
- US President Donald Trump said Iran was probably 'behind' the attack.
- Saudi Arabia had increased use of the pipeline to bypass the closure of the strait of Hormuz.
Saudi Arabia has temporarily shut down a critical oil pipeline after accusing militants in Iraq of launching drone attacks on the export route, according to reports from the BBC, Al Jazeera and the Guardian. Saudi authorities said on Friday that drones launched from Iraq led to the closure of the crucial line.
The pipeline in question is the East-West pipeline, which runs 745 miles (1,200km) across the Arabian Peninsula, linking Abqaiq near the Gulf to the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea. According to the Guardian, Riyadh, the world’s largest crude oil exporter, has increased its use of the pipeline since the start of the war involving Iran in order to bypass the lockdown of the strait of Hormuz.
In response, Iraq launched an investigation after confirming the strike came from Iraqi territory, Al Jazeera reported. Baghdad also closed its border, shutting three crossings to Iran as part of its response to the incident.
According to the BBC, Iraq removed a military commander and opened investigations into the attack, which came from an area bordering Iran. Al Jazeera reported that Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi dismissed a commander and ordered an investigation into the operations command in Maysan province, which borders Iran.
US President Donald Trump said Iran was probably ‘behind’ the Saudi oil pipeline attack, according to Al Jazeera. No further details on the basis for that assessment were provided in the sources.
The closure highlights the strategic importance of the East-West pipeline, which Riyadh has leaned on more heavily as the strait of Hormuz — a key shipping chokepoint — remained closed amid the wider regional conflict.
Why it matters
The East-West pipeline is a vital alternative route for Saudi crude when the strait of Hormuz is closed, so a disruption raises concerns about global oil supply and prices. The attack also risks escalating tensions between Iraq, Iran and Saudi Arabia at an already volatile moment in the region.
Frequently asked questions
Which pipeline did Saudi Arabia shut down?
Saudi Arabia shut the East-West pipeline, a 745-mile (1,200km) line linking Abqaiq near the Gulf to the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea, according to the Guardian.
Why is the pipeline so important?
Riyadh has increased use of the pipeline to bypass the closure of the strait of Hormuz since the start of the regional war, making it a key alternative route for its oil exports.
How has Iraq responded to the attack?
Iraq opened an investigation after confirming the strike came from its territory, dismissed a military commander and closed three border crossings with Iran, according to Al Jazeera.
Timeline
- Why Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline matters for global oil
Al Jazeera: The 1,200km (745-mile) pipeline has been temporarily closed, affecting up to 5 percent of global oil supply.
- Oil prices rise after drone attacks shut down Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline
The Guardian World: Price spike comes as rebel Houthis in Yemen target oil infrastructure and capture strategic island in Bab al-Mandab strait Business news – live updates Oil prices have climbed above $107 a barrel after a series of drone attacks forced Saudi Arabia to close its east-west crude pip
- Iraq seizes drone-launching platform used for targeting Saudi oil pipeline
Al Jazeera: Saudi authorities trace the launch site to Maysan province in southeastern Iraq, near the Iranian border.
- Iraq probes drone strikes on Saudi Arabia, shuts three crossings to Iran
Al Jazeera: PM Ali al-Zaidi dismisses commander, orders investigation into operations command in Maysan province, bordering Iran.
- Saudi Arabia shuts down key oil pipeline, blaming drones from Iraq
The Guardian World: Riyadh has increased use of East-West pipeline since start of war on Iran to bypass closure of strait of Hormuz Saudi Arabia has shut down a critical oil pipeline, accusing militants in Iraq of launching drone attacks on the export route being used to bypass the lockdown of the s
- Trump: Iran probably ‘behind’ Saudi oil pipeline attack
Al Jazeera: Trump: Iran probably ‘behind’ Saudi oil pipeline attack
- Saudi Arabia shuts critical oil pipeline after drone attack: What it means
Al Jazeera: Baghdad launches investigation, closes border after confirming strike came from Iraqi territory.
- Saudi Arabia shuts down oil pipeline, blaming drones from Iraq
The Guardian World: Riyadh has increased its use of the East-West pipeline since the start of the Middle East war to bypass the closure of the strait of Hormuz Saudi authorities said Friday drones launched from Iraq led to the temporary closure of a crucial oil export route used to bypass the lockdo
- Saudi Arabia shuts key oil pipeline after drone attack launched from Iraq
BBC World: Iraq removes a military commander and opens investigations into the attack that came from an area bordering Iran.