Attack on Saudi pipeline blamed on Iran-backed militias in Iraq.
Projectiles struck pump stations on Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline Thursday, two U.S. officials said. One official said drones originating from Iraq were responsible.
- Sentinel-3 satellite imagery shows a smoke plume nearly 100 km long over the pipeline route.
- NASA FIRMS recorded heat readings above 70 megawatts clustered over a stretch under 10 kilometers.
- 9 large fires were detected near the pipeline; at least 6 locations appeared to be flare pits.
- Brent crude surged past $100 a barrel amid sharp price swings this week.
Why it matters: The East-West pipeline is Saudi Arabia's only major export route not dependent on the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively shuttered. The kingdom has rerouted about 5 million barrels per day through it to the Red Sea port of Yanbu.
- Houthi forces have declared an embargo on Saudi oil in the Red Sea, targeting ships and striking energy infrastructure.
- Repairing pump stations is less burdensome than repairing the pipeline itself, U.S. officials and Behnam Ben Taleblu of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies said.
How 47 sources split on this story
Where they split: Whether Iraq-based Iranian-aligned militias or the Houthis are responsible for the pipeline strike remains unconfirmed, and Saudi Arabia has not acknowledged any pipeline damage.
Center coverage, 19 sources: The center emphasizes the compounding strategic threat to Saudi exports as both sea lanes and the pipeline come under pressure simultaneously, with diplomatic channels — including a Saudi warning relayed through Pakistan — still active.
Reuters1w+Saudi shares drop after drone attacks target key oil pipeline
Associated Press1w+Iraq says Saudi pipeline attack originated from its territory, and other Mideast newsCNCTV News1w+Iraq says Saudi pipeline attack originated from its territory, and other Mideast news
France 241w+Saudi Arabia closes East-West pipeline as Houthis tighten grip on Red SeaIIIran International1w+Iraqi groups deny Saudi pipeline strike, say ‘would be proud if we did it’
Newsweek1w+Iran push to control region’s oil indicated by pipeline attackTITimes of Israel1w+Iraq under pressure after local Iran-backed militias accused of attacking Saudi pipelineYNYahoo News1w+New report of attack on Strait of Hormuz shipping fans fears of threats to oil supplies
BBC News1w+Saudi Arabia shuts key oil pipeline after drone attack launched from Iraq
CNBC1w+Saudi Arabia shut down East-West crude oil pipeline after multiple attacks
Deutsche Welle1w+Baghdad confirms attack on Saudi pipeline came from IraqLeft coverage, 10 sources: The left frames the pipeline strike as part of a widening Iranian proxy campaign that tests U.S. limits and threatens a global energy chokepoint, with Washington caught between Saudi pressure and reluctance to escalate.
CNN1w+Trump says Iran likely responsible for attack on vital Saudi oil pipeline
The Independent1w+Iraq races to contain fallout after local Iran-backed militias accused of attacking Saudi pipeline
Al Jazeera1w+Saudi Arabia shuts critical oil pipeline after drone attack: What it means
The New York Times1w+Saudi Arabia’s Oil ‘Lifeline’ Was Attacked. Here’s What to Know.
HuffPost1w+Saudi Arabia Shuts Down Major Cross-Country Oil Pipeline Amid Attacks
Los Angeles Times1w+Attack on key Saudi pipeline is blamed on Iran-backed militias in Iraq
NBC News1w+Saudi Arabia’s shutdown of key pipeline limits oil flow as Yemen hits back against Houthis
Political Wire1w+Attack On Saudi Pipeline Threatens Key Mideast Oil RoutesTBGThe Boston Globe1w+Attack that closed key Saudi pipeline is blamed on Iran-backed militias in Iraq
The Guardian1w+Saudi Arabia shuts down oil pipeline, blaming drones from IraqRight coverage, 18 sources: The right frames the strike as evidence of a deepening global energy crisis driven by Iranian aggression, warning that Brent crude's climb toward triple digits signals broader economic consequences.
The Daily Caller1w+Iraqi Militias Join The Iran War As The Fire Rises
Daily Mail1w+Oil price hike fears as Houthi rebels strike vital Saudi Arabian pipeline in the Gulf
New York Post1w+Attack that closed key Saudi pipeline blamed on Iran-backed militias in Iraq
Newsmax1w+Iran-Backed Militias Blamed for Saudi Pipeline Attack
The Epoch Times1w+Saudi Arabia Shuts Down East-West Crude Oil Pipeline After Attacks
The Washington Times1w+Attack that closed key Saudi pipeline is blamed on Iran-backed militias in Iraq
Citizen Free Press1w+Saudi nightmare as pipeline shuts.
Hot Air1w+Saudis Shut Down Major Pipeline After Drone Attack
Independent Journal Review1w+Saudi Arabia Shuts East-West Pipeline After Drone Attacks Riyadh Blames on Iraq
Just the News1w+Saudi Arabia shuts down critical oil pipeline after Iraqi drone attackLILegal Insurrection1w+Saudi Arabia Shuts Down Key Pipeline as Iranian Proxies Wage Multi-Front Assault
NTD1w+Saudi Arabia Shuts Down Oil Pipeline as Houthis Tighten Grip on Red Sea ShippingWhat’s next: Saudi Arabia, Aramco, and the White House have not responded to requests for comment on the strike.
- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called Trump twice Thursday urging U.S. strikes; Trump declined.
- Over 100 U.S. military advisers are in Saudi Arabia providing intelligence and targeting support.
- Who carried out the pipeline strike — Houthis, Iraq-based militias, or another actor?
- How much pipeline capacity was lost and how long will repairs take?
- Will the U.S. change its posture and directly target those responsible?