As conflict intensifies in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia has shut down a crucial oil pipeline after a drone attack originating from Iraqi territory. Iraq has accepted responsibility for the drone strike on its neighboring country’s east-west pipeline, which reportedly came from a province bordering Iran. Following this acknowledgment, Iraq has dismissed a military commander and initiated an investigation. The 1,200-kilometer-long pipeline has been instrumental in allowing Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest crude oil exporter, to supply oil without relying on the Strait of Hormuz shipping route.
This development comes amid expanding control by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The ongoing conflict between the US and Iran has now entered its seventh month and has further strained global oil shipping routes. Saudi authorities cautiously shut down the pipeline on Friday after satellite images revealed smoke and scorched earth near the area. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported some injuries and damage from the attack, although a full assessment is still underway.
Quoting ship-tracking companies and analysts, news agencies have stated that this pipeline accounts for 4 to 5 percent of the global oil supply. Following a call from Iraq’s Prime Minister, Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry stated there will be no immediate response. Saudi Arabia affirmed its support for Iraq’s government efforts to prevent attacks from neighboring countries. The ministry’s statement emphasized that “Saudi Arabia reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security, measures, and citizens.”
