Attack that closed key Saudi pipeline is blamed on Iran-backed militias in Iraq

Live updates

1. 3h ago

   Iran-Backed Attacks Cripple Saudi Oil Routes

   Iran-backed attacks and a drone strike on Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline have crippled crucial escape routes, intensifying a severe global energy market crisis. The pipeline closure compounds economic and military pressures on Saudi Arabia alongside mounting Houthi rebel actions near the Red Sea. Meanwhile, the United States enforces a strict chokehold on Iranian oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, and the US military destroyed two Iranian boats in the strait. US President Donald Trump claims Iran wants to reach a deal with the United States as the broader conflict continues to escalate.

   Why it matters

   Global energy markets face severe distress due to the overlapping war with Iran and escalating regional combat involving Houthi forces. Saudi Arabia confronts an economic contraction and its worst crisis as military threats target both its Red Sea bypass routes and major inland infrastructure. Concurrently, US actions in the Strait of Hormuz tighten the pressure on Tehran's own petroleum shipments.

   What is confirmed

   • Iran-backed attacks cripple escape routes as a drone strike hits Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline.
   • The United States maintains a chokehold on Iranian oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
   • US President Donald Trump stated that Iran wants to reach a deal with the United States.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Saudi Arabia faces its worst crisis as Houthi attacks mount and the US withholds support while the Saudi economy is forecast to contract this year.

   What to watch next

   • Developments regarding potential diplomatic deals between the US and Iran
   • Status of repairs and reopening timelines for the East-West pipeline
   • Further military engagements in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.miamitimesonline.com — What the closure of Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline could mean for oil flows
   2. timesofindia.indiatimes.com — US-Iran War Live Updates: US military 'obliterates' two Iranian boats over attempt to 'steal' sea drone in Hormuz
   3. www.foxnews.com — Oil squeeze tightens as Iran-backed attacks cripple Hormuz escape routes
   4. en.bloomingbit.io — Saudi Faces ‘Worst Crisis’ as Houthi Attacks Mount and US Withholds Support
   confidence 100%
2. 1d ago

   Damaged Saudi Pipeline Stays Closed for Weeks

   Satellite imagery reveals extensive damage to Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline following a drone strike last week, keeping the key export route out of service for several weeks. The closure restricts Persian Gulf crude exports, driving oil prices to $109 per barrel, pushing diesel prices to record highs, and threatening global energy supplies. The shutdown complicates Saudi efforts to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian attacks already restrict shipping. Meanwhile, displaced populations grow in Yemen as Houthi forces advance along the Red Sea coast, compounding regional instability.

   Why it matters

   The pipeline shutdown threatens global energy markets already strained by the war with Iran. Saudi Arabia relies on the East-West pipeline to transport oil to market while avoiding the Strait of Hormuz choke point. Energy shortages and rising crude costs raise import expenses and spark competition for alternative supplies in nations such as India.

   What is confirmed

   • Saudi Arabia shut down its East-West oil pipeline following an aerial attack.
   • New satellite photos show extensive damage to the East-West Pipeline after last week's drone strike.
   • The pipeline will remain mostly out of service for several weeks.
   • Oil prices reached $109 per barrel following the attack.
   • Displacement in Yemen has surpassed 46,000 people as fighting re-erupts along the Red Sea coast.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Iraq attributes the pipeline attack to local Iran-backed militias.
   • The Center Square reports the attack on the pipeline was executed by Iran-backed Yemeni Houthis.

   What to watch next

   • Timeline for completing pipeline repairs and restoring full crude export capacity
   • Further diplomatic fallout managed by Iraqi officials regarding militia activity
   • Impact of continued Houthi advances on Red Sea shipping lanes and international fuel prices
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. www.pbs.org — Saudi oil pipeline hit in strikes will be mostly out of service for several weeks
   2. truthout.org — Key Saudi Pipeline to Be Shut Down for Weeks as Diesel Prices Hit Record Highs
   3. asiatimes.com — Oil hits $109/bbl as photos show major damage to Saudi pipeline
   4. www.thedailyjagran.com — Saudi Arabia's Hormuz Bypass Pipeline Shutdown: Will It Hit India's Oil Supplies? Explained
   5. www.djournal.com — Iran backed Houthi attack on Saudi pipeline threatens global supply
   6. www.wral.com — What the closure of Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline could mean for oil flows
   confidence 90%
3. 2d ago

   Saudi Pipeline Shutdown Linked to Iran-backed Militias as Yemen Fighting Escalates

   Saudi Arabia shut down its East-West pipeline following an aerial attack, which Iraq now attributes to local Iran-backed militias. This energy disruption coincides with a surge in violence in Yemen, where Houthi advances along the Red Sea coast have displaced nearly 50,000 civilians. The International Organization for Migration reports displacement has surpassed 46,000 people as fighting re-erupts. Iraqi officials are currently attempting to manage the diplomatic fallout from the pipeline strike while Houthi forces increase pressure on Red Sea shipping lanes.

   Why it matters

   The East-West pipeline is a vital oil conduit for Saudi Arabia. Disruptions to this infrastructure threaten to increase global energy prices. The simultaneous Houthi offensive in Yemen suggests a widening regional conflict involving Iranian proxies.

   What is confirmed

   • Saudi Arabia shut down its East-West pipeline after an aerial attack.
   • Nearly 50,000 Yemeni civilians have fled as Houthis advance along the Red Sea coast.
   • Displacement in Yemen has surged past 46,000 according to the IOM Chief.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Local Iran-backed militias in Iraq attacked the Saudi pipeline.
   • Houthis are tightening their grip on Red Sea shipping.

   What to watch next

   • Official confirmation from Saudi Arabia regarding the perpetrators of the pipeline attack.
   • Further displacement figures from the IOM as Houthi advances continue.
   • Iraqi government actions to contain fallout with Saudi Arabia.
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. The Guardian — Nearly 50,000 Yemeni civilians flee as Houthis advance along Red Sea coast
   2. The New York Times — ‘We Left in the Clothes We Were Wearing’: Yemenis Flee New Fighting
   3. Al Jazeera — Fighting re-erupts in Yemen and civilians are paying the price
   4. AP News — Iraq races to contain fallout after local Iran-backed militias accused of attacking Saudi pipeline
   5. International Organization for Migration — Displacement in Yemen Alarmingly Surges Past 46,000 Amid Escalating Fighting, IOM Chief
   6. www.staradvertiser.com — Saudis shut down key oil pipeline as Houthis tighten grip on Red Sea shipping
   confidence 80%