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Saudi Arabia says East-West pipeline hit by drones launched from Iraq

Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline will remain offline for weeks after drone attacks launched from Iraq. Oil prices rose more than 2% as markets worry about global petroleum supplies. Analysts warn of a sharp price rally if the pipeline stays closed beyond a five-to-seven-day inventory cushion. While Iraq has admitted the drones originated from its territory, Iraqi intelligence sources claim the attack was carried out by small, hardline cells that broke away from Tehran-aligned factions. Meanwhile, Houthi officials report three deaths from Saudi airstrikes in Yemen.

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What changed

New reports establish the pipeline's extended downtime, the resulting 2% rise in oil prices, and the alleged involvement of breakaway Iraqi cells.

Live updates

  1. Saudi East-West Pipeline Out for Weeks Following Drone Strikes

    Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline will remain offline for weeks after drone attacks launched from Iraq. Oil prices rose more than 2% as markets worry about global petroleum supplies. Analysts warn of a sharp price rally if the pipeline stays closed beyond a five-to-seven-day inventory cushion. While Iraq has admitted the drones originated from its territory, Iraqi intelligence sources claim the attack was carried out by small, hardline cells that broke away from Tehran-aligned factions. Meanwhile, Houthi officials report three deaths from Saudi airstrikes in Yemen.

    Why it matters

    The East-West pipeline allows Saudi Arabia to move crude to the Red Sea, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. This infrastructure is critical for maintaining global oil flows. Current tensions include simultaneous threats from Houthi rebels and instability within Iraqi armed groups.

    What is confirmed

    • The Saudi East-West pipeline will be out of action for weeks.
    • Oil prices increased by more than 2%.
    • Saudi airstrikes in Yemen killed three people according to a Houthi spokesperson.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Oil prices could rally sharply if the pipeline is offline longer than a five-to-seven-day inventory cushion.

    What to watch next

    • Confirmation of the specific timeline for pipeline repairs
    • Results of the Baghdad investigation into drone launch sites
    • Changes in Red Sea shipping security due to renewed fighting
    Sources used for this update (5)
    1. www.bostonherald.com — What the closure of Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline could mean for oil flows
    2. alhurra.com — Exclusive: Breakaway Iran-backed Cells Attacked Saudi Oil Pipeline, Iraqi Sources Say
    3. www.1news.co.nz — Saudi oil pipeline struck by drones will be out of action for weeks
    4. www.cnbc.com — Oil’s next test: Saudi Arabia races to restore a key safety valve for prices
    5. www.twincities.com — Houthi official says Saudi airstrikes leave 3 dead, and other Mideast developments
    confidence 80%

  2. Iraq confirms Saudi pipeline attacks launched from its soil

    Iraq admits drone attacks on the Saudi East-West pipeline originated from its territory, prompting a Baghdad investigation to contain such strikes. The pipeline carries 4-5% of global oil. Saudi Arabia faces simultaneous pressure from Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who have targeted a Saudi military base and seized Red Sea coastline assets. While U.S. President Donald Trump has pointed toward Iran, Iranian President Pezeshkian denies that Iran is at war with Saudi Arabia. These events coincide with a strike on an Iranian ship near the Strait of Hormuz.

    Why it matters

    The East-West pipeline is a critical artery for Saudi exports. Disruption to this flow, combined with Houthi control of Red Sea waterways, limits Riyadh's ability to move crude to global markets.

    What is confirmed

    • Iraq stated that attacks on a key Saudi oil pipeline were launched from its territory.
    • The East-West oil pipeline carries 4-5% of global oil.
    • Iran-backed Houthi rebels targeted a military base in Saudi Arabia.
    • President Pezeshkian stated that Iran is not at war with Saudi Arabia.

    Still unconfirmed

    • U.S. President Donald Trump blamed Iran for the pipeline attacks.
    • An Iranian ship was struck near the Strait of Hormuz.

    What to watch next

    • Results of the Iraqi investigation into the drone launch sites
    • Saudi Arabia's response to the Houthi military base strike
    • Changes in global oil prices following the pipeline closure
    Sources used for this update (5)
    1. www.texarkanagazette.com — Iraq says Saudi pipeline attack originated from its territory, and other Mideast news
    2. www.nbcnews.com — Hormuz, Houthis and pipeline strikes: Saudi Arabia’s list of big problems is growing
    3. www.middleeasteye.net — Houthi missiles target military base in Saudi Arabia as Iraq probes drone attack on oil pipeline
    4. cryptobriefing.com — Iran denies being at war with Saudi Arabia after drone strike hits critical oil pipeline
    5. www.ntd.com — Iranian Ship Struck Near Strait of Hormuz; Houthis Launch More Attacks on Saudi Arabia
    confidence 90%

  3. Saudi Arabia Shuts East-West Pipeline After Drones Launch From Iraq

    Saudi Arabia has closed its East-West crude oil pipeline following multiple drone attacks launched from Iraqi territory. The strikes caused fires and limited oil flow, contributing to diesel prices rising above $6 a gallon. Iraq confirmed the projectiles originated from its soil, specifically an area bordering Iran, and has since removed a military commander and opened an investigation. Simultaneously, Iran-backed Houthi rebels have seized full control of the Red Sea coastline and a strategic island at the southern entrance to the waterway.

    Why it matters

    The East-West pipeline is a critical artery for Saudi oil exports. These attacks coincide with a broader Iranian-backed offensive in Yemen and increased volatility in Red Sea shipping lanes.

    What is confirmed

    • Saudi Arabia shut down the East-West crude oil pipeline after drone attacks launched from Iraq.
    • The attacks on the pipeline system triggered fires.
    • Iraq confirmed the attack on the Saudi pipeline originated from its territory.
    • Iran-backed Houthis have taken full control of the Red Sea coastline.
    • Diesel prices have risen above $6 a gallon.

    Still unconfirmed

    • President Donald Trump believes the war with Iran will end very soon, likely after the midterms.

    What to watch next

    • Results of the Iraqi investigation into the drone launches
    • Confirmation of when the East-West pipeline will resume operations
    • Further Houthi movements along the Red Sea coastline
    Sources used for this update (16)
    1. NBC News — Iran-backed Houthis take full control of Red Sea coastline, tightening grip on crucial shipping lane
    2. CNN — Saudi Arabian oil pipeline system hit by projectiles triggering fires
    3. The New York Times — Diesel Jumps Above $6 a Gallon, Adding to Inflation Pressure
    4. CNBC — Saudi Arabia shut down East-West crude oil pipeline after multiple attacks
    5. bbc.com — Lightning Houthi advance in Yemen may bring dangerous new dimension to Iran war
    6. Al Jazeera — Saudi Arabia says East-West pipeline hit by drones launched from Iraq
    7. The Washington Post — Oil routes in peril as attacks shut Saudi pipeline and Houthis threaten key waterway
    8. The Times of Israel — Saudi Arabia shutters major oil pipeline struck by drones from Iraq
    9. Reuters — Saudis shut down oil pipeline as Houthis tighten grip on Red Sea shipping
    10. BBC — Saudi Arabia shuts key oil pipeline after drone attack launched from Iraq
    11. NBC News — Saudi Arabia’s shutdown of key pipeline limits oil flow as Yemen hits back against Houthis
    12. AP News — Saudi Arabia has few options as it faces mounting threats from Iran and its allies
    confidence 95%