Saudi Oil Pipeline Shut After Attack as Houthis Tighten Red Sea Grip

Saudi Arabia has temporarily shut its Saudi oil pipeline after the key route was damaged in a drone attack, adding to pressure on the region’s energy supplies. The East-West pipeline was targeted on Thursday in the Riyadh and Medina regions.

The Saudi oil ministry stated that the pipeline was halted as a precaution while officials inspected the damage. The incident resulted in some injuries, and officials were still assessing the impact on oil exports.

The 1,200-kilometer pipeline spans the Arabian Peninsula, allowing Saudi Arabia to move crude without relying solely on tanker traffic across the Strait of Hormuz. According to maritime monitors and observers, it has recently been hauling between 4 million and 5 million barrels of oil per day.

Saudi oil pipeline faces disruption as Red Sea tensions rise

The attack occurred as shipping conditions near the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz worsened. During the battle between the United States and Iran, tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has slowed dramatically.

Simultaneously, Iran-aligned Houthi fighters in Yemen have increased their presence along the Red Sea coastline. According to four Yemeni official sources, the Houthis grabbed possession of the key island of Perim, located near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, on Friday.

The Houthis have also reached the Hanish islands and the coastal towns of Mocha and Dhubab. Their advancements might give them more control over one of the world’s most critical maritime lanes.

The combined interruption has increased the demand on energy supply on both sides of the Arabian Peninsula. Global oil prices have also recovered above $100 per barrel.

Saudi Arabia seeks US support

According to those acquainted with the situation, Saudi Arabia has requested military aid from the United States against the Houthi forces. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman allegedly met with US President Donald Trump at least twice on Thursday about the situation.

Washington has thus far declined to take direct military action against the Houthis. However, the US has promised to provide Saudi Arabia with intelligence and targeting information.

The White House declined to comment on the purported phone discussions between Trump and the Saudi crown prince. A senior US administration official stated that Washington maintains regular touch with Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s leadership.

Iraq takes action after pipeline attack

Both Saudi Arabia and Iraq claimed that the drone attack on the pipeline originated in Iraq, where Iran-backed Shi’ite militias have a substantial presence in certain locations. The Iraqi government condemned the incident and removed a military commander whose operations had encompassed Maysan province.

Maysan, located in southeastern Iraq, borders Iran and has long been controlled by Iran-backed militias. Iraqi authorities also blocked the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran as a precaution, while a larger investigation was initiated to find those responsible for the attack.

Saudi Arabia has not retaliated against Iraq thus far. Riyadh stated that it was responding to a request from Iraq’s prime minister, but warned that it would take any necessary steps to preserve its interests.

Attacks on ships using the Bab el-Mandeb passage by Houthi rebels have already put strain on Saudi crude production and supplies. According to the International Energy Agency, Saudi crude supply has reached its lowest point in almost three decades.

According to the Houthis, sea navigation is safe for ships other than Saudi vessels that were previously banned. Meanwhile, Yemeni government forces have stated that they aim to try to retake land lost by the Houthis along the Red Sea coast.