Iran War: Saudi Arabia Shuts Down Key Pipeline After Attacks

Saudi Arabia has temporarily shut down a critical east-west pipeline that transports oil from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea after attacks on the line in Riyadh and Medina regions, according to state news agency SPA, citing an energy ministry source. Several people were reportedly injured during the Thursday attack. Measures have been taken to secure the pipeline, it was further stated.

No information was initially provided about the extent of potential damages or the attacker. CNN reported, citing US government official sources, that the more than 1,200-kilometer-long pipeline had been attacked by drones launched from Iraq. The US Central Command (Centcom) declined to comment on the report upon request. The pipeline was reportedly attacked already in late July by Iran's allies from Iraq.

Since the start of the Iran war, it has become even more significant. Saudi Arabia transports oil through the pipeline, which was originally intended for awaiting oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. Since the beginning of the US and Israeli attacks on Iran and counterattacks at the start of February, the passage of commercial ships through the Hormuz Strait has effectively been blocked.

According to CNN, a first analysis indicates that pump stations alongside the pipeline have been hit, and satellite images reportedly show possible fires. Whether the pipeline has been damaged remains unclear. Saudi Arabia, with an output of around ten million barrels per day, is the world's second-largest oil producer behind the United States.