Saudi Arabia shuts down East-West crude oil pipeline after drone attacks from Iraq

Saudi Arabia shut down its East-West crude oil pipeline as a precaution after multiple drone attacks launched from Iraq. The pipeline, which runs from across the kingdom to Red Sea export terminals, was targeted in the Riyadh and Medina regions on Thursday morning.

Pipeline closure after attacks and fires

The Saudi Energy Ministry said the shutdown followed drone strikes that caused fires and some damage to the pipeline. The government reported that several people were injured in the attacks. Emergency teams were deployed to secure the line and assess its safety.

Pipeline capacity and role in oil export routing

The East-West pipeline has a capacity of 7 million barrels per day. Saudi Arabia has used it to move crude oil exports away from the Persian Gulf amid the wider U.S.-Iran standoff over control of the Strait of Hormuz. The ministry said it would announce any further developments later.

Saudi decision to hold off on retaliation

Saudi Arabia said it is refraining from retaliating for now. The Saudi Foreign Ministry said the pause is intended to give the Iraqi government time to take measures to prevent attacks from its territory.

Oil prices rise above $100 as conflict intensifies

Oil prices broke above $100 per barrel for the first time in months this week as fighting in the Middle East escalated. Prices closed out the week more than 8% higher. Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser said last month that the East-West pipeline has played a larger role in mitigating supply disruption from the Iran war than the release of emergency crude reserves.

Regional attacks widen pressure on Saudi energy assets

The drone strike came as Iran-allied militants increased attacks on Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities said Houthi militants in Yemen launched strikes earlier this week that hit energy facilities and other civilian assets, injuring more than 70 people. The Houthis declared a maritime embargo against the Saudis in July and have sought to disrupt oil exports through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The shutdown affects a major export route at a time when regional conflict is already pushing oil prices higher and raising the risk of further disruptions.