Trump says Iran likely responsible for attack on vital Saudi oil pipeline

US President Donald Trump stated that Iran "probably" orchestrated the assault on a crucial oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia, which resulted in the pipeline's shutdown. The East-West Pipeline was targeted by drones originating from Iraq on Thursday, according to the Saudi Foreign Ministry. The incident caused injuries and inflicted damage, leading the energy ministry to shut down the pipeline as a precautionary measure.

Trump was asked about the incident during a visit to Ireland on Saturday, where he indicated his belief that Iran was most likely responsible. He also mentioned having a conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, describing him as a "good friend." A source revealed to CNN that the Crown Prince had spoken with Trump twice on Thursday, urging him to target the Houthis as the Iran-backed group advances towards the Red Sea.

Trump, however, declined. When questioned about the further concerns in Saudi Arabia due to the pipeline's closure and the possibility of aiding marine traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, Trump responded that everything would "work out fine." This event added to the mounting challenges for the Saudi government, as the Iran-backed Houthis had taken control of strategic locations along the Red Sea, positioning them near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a vital energy route.

The attack and recent Houthi advances signal that Saudi Arabia's oil resources — and its capacity to export those resources — are under growing threats as the Iran conflict persists. The East-West Pipeline has become indispensable for the country to sustain oil exports since the onset of the US-Iran war. Saudi Arabia has rerouted approximately 5 million barrels of oil per day that would have been intended for awaiting oil tankers in the Persian Gulf, as Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz.

Instead, the oil has been transported via the pipeline to Saudi Arabia's port of Yanbu on the Red Sea. This is a breaking news story and will be updated with additional information.