Saudi Arabia Closes Key Oil Pipeline Following Drone Attacks
Saudi Arabia temporarily closed its East West crude oil pipeline on Friday after drone attacks launched from Iraq struck sections of the network in the Riyadh and Medina regions. The Saudi Energy Ministry described the shutdown as precautionary while emergency teams secured the facilities, assessed damage, and investigated safety risks.
The attacks caused fires, damaged infrastructure, and injured several people, according to Saudi authorities. The pipeline can carry up to seven million barrels per day across the kingdom to Red Sea export terminals, providing an alternative route when shipments through the Persian Gulf face disruption or heightened security concerns and delays.
That role has become more significant as the United States and Iran contest access around the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Aramco chief executive Amin Nasser said last month that the East West route had done more to reduce oil supply disruptions from the Iran war than releases from emergency reserves.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry said Riyadh would not retaliate immediately, allowing Iraq’s government time to prevent further attacks originating from its territory. The decision reflects an effort to contain escalation while preserving the option of a later response if security threats continue or Iraqi authorities fail to act effectively promptly.
Oil markets reacted amid broader regional tensions. Crude prices rose above one hundred dollars per barrel for the first time in months and ended the week more than eight percent higher. Reports and rumors surrounding the pipeline strike may have contributed to the rally, alongside escalating Middle East conflict risks.
The incident follows other attacks attributed to Iran aligned groups. Houthi militants in Yemen recently struck Saudi energy sites and civilian assets, reportedly injuring more than seventy people. The group has also declared a maritime embargo and threatened oil shipping through the Bab el Mandeb Strait, another major trade passage.