Saudi Arabia Shuts East-West Oil Pipeline After Drone Attack

Saudi Arabia has temporarily shut its strategic East-West oil pipeline following a drone attack, adding fresh pressure to global energy supplies as the U.S.-Iran war disrupts major Middle East shipping routes.

The 1,200-kilometre pipeline, which crosses the Arabian Peninsula, was attacked in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh and Medina regions. Riyadh and Baghdad said the drone originated from Iraq, where several Iran-backed militias operate. Iraq subsequently dismissed a military commander responsible for operations in Maysan province and launched an investigation.

Saudi Arabia’s energy ministry said the pipeline was closed as a precaution. The route has recently transported between 4 million and 5 million barrels of crude per day, equivalent to roughly 4% to 5% of global oil supply. It had become increasingly important for bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, where tanker traffic has fallen sharply because of the conflict.

The disruption comes as Iran-aligned Houthi forces expand their presence along Yemen’s Red Sea coast. Yemeni government sources said the Houthis seized the strategic island of Perim near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another crucial passage for international oil and commercial shipping.

Combined disruptions around Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb have intensified concerns about Middle East oil supplies and helped push crude prices above $100 per barrel. The International Energy Agency said Saudi crude supply has already fallen to its lowest level in more than three decades, partly because of attacks on vessels around Bab el-Mandeb.

Saudi Arabia has so far refrained from retaliating for the pipeline strike following a request from Iraq’s prime minister, although Riyadh said it reserves the right to take necessary measures to protect its interests.

Meanwhile, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly asked U.S. President Donald Trump for military assistance against the Houthis. Washington is not prepared to take direct military action for now but has offered intelligence sharing and targeting assistance.

With diplomatic efforts stalled and key energy corridors increasingly threatened, the latest attacks have heightened fears of further oil supply disruptions and volatility in global crude prices.