Riyadh | 12 Sep 2026
Saudi Arabia has temporarily shut its East-West oil pipeline after drone attacks struck sections of the critical network in the Riyadh and Medina regions, intensifying concerns over global crude supplies as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely disrupted.
Saudi pipeline closed as a precaution
The Saudi Energy Ministry said the 1,200-kilometre pipeline was closed as a precaution while authorities assessed the damage. The Saudi Foreign Ministry reported injuries but did not disclose their number or clarify the immediate effect on crude exports.
Saudi Arabia and Iraq said the drones had been launched from Iraqi territory. However, Saudi authorities had not publicly identified who carried out the attacks as of Saturday.
The East-West pipeline carries crude across the Arabian Peninsula to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, allowing Saudi exports to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. Ship-tracking companies and energy analysts estimate that the network has recently transported between four million and five million barrels per day—equivalent to roughly four to five per cent of global oil supply.
Iraq dismisses commander and opens investigation
Iraq’s government said an investigation found that the attacks originated from Maysan province, which borders Iran. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered the dismissal of the provincial operations commander and announced a wider inquiry.
Baghdad also closed the Shalamcheh and Chazabeh border crossings with Iran until further notice. Iraqi authorities said they had launched an operation to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Saudi Arabia said it would refrain from immediate retaliation following a request from Iraq’s prime minister, giving Baghdad an opportunity to act. Riyadh nevertheless maintained that it reserved the right to take necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, national security and critical infrastructure.
Hormuz disruption increases pipeline’s importance
The pipeline has become increasingly important since the conflict involving Iran disrupted tanker movements through the Strait of Hormuz, a route used for about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade.
Its shutdown places additional pressure on Gulf energy exports at a time when Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea shipping route is also facing growing security risks. Crude prices moved above $100 a barrel during the week as markets assessed possible supply shortages and wider regional escalation.
Houthi advance threatens second shipping corridor
Four Yemeni government sources told Reuters that Iran-aligned Houthi forces had seized Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, at the southern entrance to the Red Sea. The group was also reported to have captured the nearby coastal town of Dhubab.
The developments could expose both sides of the Arabian Peninsula’s oil-export network to disruption: the Strait of Hormuz in the east and the Bab el-Mandeb route in the west.
A Houthi military spokesman said maritime navigation remained safe for vessels other than Saudi ships covered by a previously announced restriction. Iran describes the Houthis as an ally but denies directing their military operations.
Saudi crude supply falls to three-decade low
The International Energy Agency estimated that Saudi crude supply fell by 2.3 million barrels per day in August to six million barrels per day, its lowest level in more than three decades. Saudi Arabia reported different figures to OPEC, saying it produced 6.238 million barrels per day and supplied 7.122 million barrels per day during the month.
Damage assessments and investigations into the pipeline attacks remain under way. The duration of the shutdown and its full impact on Saudi exports have not yet been officially confirmed.
