Saudi Arabia has temporarily closed its East-West pipeline after the major crude oil conduit was hit in an aerial attack, adding to pressure on energy flows already disrupted across the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
The Saudi government said the shutdown was a precautionary measure following a drone attack that Riyadh and Baghdad said originated in Iraq. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said the incident caused injuries and damage, which remained under assessment, without specifying the effect on crude exports.
Context: Strait of Hormuz shipping guide · Strait of Hormuz · Red Sea
Satellite imagery showed black smoke rising from an area of the pipeline south of Medina, according to the report.
Operational context
The 1,200-kilometre East-West pipeline has become a critical export route during the past six months, as war-related disruption has largely restricted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The line has been carrying an estimated 4 million to 5 million barrels per day, equivalent to about 4% to 5% of global oil supply, providing Saudi Arabia with an alternative outlet for shipments from the Gulf.
The closure comes as risks to maritime energy transport widen beyond Hormuz. Oil prices rose during the past week, while conflict involving the United States, Iran and Iran-aligned Houthi forces increased concerns over tanker traffic and regional supply routes.
In Yemen, four government sources told Reuters that the Houthis had seized Perim island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategic waterway at the southern entrance to the Red Sea. The Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said maritime navigation remained safe for all shipping except Saudi vessels covered by a previously announced ban.
Saudi Civil Defence also reported that a Houthi-fired projectile injured two people in the Jazan region and damaged several buildings, including a mosque.
The attack on the pipeline has placed renewed pressure on Iraq, where Iranian-backed militias operate. Iraq dismissed the military commander and police chief in Maysan province, near the Iranian border, and closed the main border crossing in the area. Saudi Arabia said it had not retaliated against militia targets in Iraq following a request from the Iraqi prime minister.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has requested US military assistance against the Houthis, according to sources cited by Reuters. Washington has said it will not directly intervene for now, although it is expected to provide intelligence support.
The International Energy Agency said Saudi crude supply had fallen to its lowest level in more than three decades, partly reflecting attacks on ships transiting the Bab el-Mandeb by Houthi-linked groups. The pipeline shutdown could further tighten available export capacity at a time when the region’s principal maritime oil routes face simultaneous security threats.