Saudi Arabia shuts key oil pipeline after drone attack launched from Iraq

Sat Sep 12 2026 06:11:07 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A drone strike from Iraq forced Riyadh to close its critical East‑West oil pipeline, heightening tensions amid the Iran‑backed Houthi surge and raising concerns over global oil supply.

Saudi Arabia shut the 1,200‑km East‑West pipeline after a drone attack originating in Iraq’s Maysan province bordering Iran. The pipeline, essential in bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, transports about 4–5% of world oil. Iraq’s prime minister removed the operations commander involved, while Saudi officials have chosen no retaliation yet, pledging cooperation to prevent further cross‑border attacks. The Gulf Cooperation Council condemned the strike, and concurrent Houthi advances in Yemen threaten shipping routes, pushing crude prices above $100 a barrel for the first time since July.

Saudi Arabia shuts key oil pipeline after drone attack launched from Iraq

Saudi authorities closed the 1,200‑km East‑West pipeline after a drone strike, an act the country says began in Iraq’s Maysan province bordering Iran.

The pipeline, which helps Saudi Arabia bypass the Strait of Hormuz, carries around 4–5% of global oil supply.

Iraq’s prime minister removed the operations commander in the province and vowed to investigate the attack; the Saudi government has chosen not to retaliate yet but has pledged support to prevent further cross‑border attacks.

Satellite images of the damaged East‑West pipeline — Satellite images show the scorched area where the East‑West pipeline was hit.

The Gulf Cooperation Council condemned the attack, calling it a dangerous escalation that threatens Saudi sovereignty and international law.

At the same time, the Houthi rebels have seized much of Yemen’s coastline, gaining control of the Bab al‑Mandab Strait and heightening fears of disruptions to shipping corridors to the Red Sea and Suez Canal.

These developments have pushed crude oil prices above $100 per barrel for the first time since July, underscoring the fragility of the global energy market.