Saudi shuts pipeline that was vital Hormuz bypass as new front opens in Middle East war

Iraq has ordered an investigation into those responsible for a drone attack on Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline. The attack, which occurred on September 10, 2026, caused black smoke to rise from an area south of Medina, in the Hejaz Region of Saudi Arabia. According to Middle East Eye, Iraq's prime minister ordered the investigation after Saudi Arabia said drones launched from Iraqi territory struck its East-West Pipeline.

Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry said it would not retaliate for now, following a request from Iraq's prime minister, while reserving the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security, and critical facilities, as reported by Al-Monitor. The attacks on the pipeline resulted in several injuries and caused material damage.

The East-West pipeline, a key alternative route to the Strait of Hormuz, was shut down as a precautionary measure, according to the Saudi Ministry of Energy, as cited by the South China Morning Post and Hindustan Times - World News. Emergency teams responded to the attacks, taking steps to secure the pipeline and assess its safety.

Brief written by urgent.news from Middle East Eye, Al-Monitor, Ajel English, South China Morning Post, Hindustan Times - World News — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.