Houthis Strike Saudi Pipeline, Threatening Global Oil Supply
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 23 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, 8 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.
Reuters2hSaudis shut down oil pipeline as Houthis tighten grip on Red Sea shipping
CNBC9hSaudi Arabia shut down East-West crude oil pipeline after multiple attacks
Financial Times8hSaudi Arabia shuts East-West pipeline that bypasses Hormuz after attacksIIIran International17hSmoke seen near Saudi East-West oil pipeline - Reuters
MarketWatch8hThe Houthis have opened a new front in the Middle East oil war that’s pushing up prices
Newsweek17hSatellite imagery shows a black plume of smoke across the desert between Medina and Mahd adh Dhahab.TITimes of Israel3hSaudi Arabia shutters major oil pipeline struck by drones from IraqLeft coverage, 5 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.
CNN11hSaudi Arabian oil pipeline system hit by projectiles triggering fires
Al Jazeera6hSaudi Arabia says East-West pipeline hit by drones launched from Iraq
HuffPost17hSaudi Arabia Shuts Down Major Cross-Country Oil Pipeline Amid Attacks
The Independent12hBulletin world briefing: Houthi conflict escalates as smoke seen near crucial Saudi oil pipeline
The New York Times8hEnergy Markets Rattled After Saudi Pipeline AttacksRight coverage, 10 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 Caller7hIraqi Militias Join The Iran War As The Fire Rises
The Epoch Times1dSaudi Arabia Shuts Down East-West Crude Oil Pipeline After Attacks
Daily Mail7hOil prices set to rocket after Saudi Arabia pipeline comes under attack from drones launched from Iraqi territory as the Houthis take over strait vital to global shipping
Hot Air10hSaudis Shut Down Major Pipeline After Drone Attack
Just the News1dSaudi Arabia shuts down critical oil pipeline after Iraqi drone attack
New York Post6hStrikes set Saudi oil pipeline on fire as Iran-backed Houthis tighten grip on key shipping corridor
Newsmax7hKey Red Sea Pipeline Shut After Attacks as Oil Nears $105
One America News9hSaudi Crown Prince calls Trump as pipeline strike and Houthi advances escalate 'Red Sea crisis'
Wall Street Journal8hSaudi Arabia Shuts Down Pipeline That Was a Crucial Hormuz Bypass
Washington Examiner6hSaudi Arabia shutters key pipeline following Houthi offensiveWhat’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?