Houthi Attacks Disrupt Saudi Oil Pipeline, Push Oil Prices Above $100
Saudi Arabia has temporarily shut its East-West oil pipeline after a drone attack on Thursday. The pipeline, which spans 1,200 kilometers and carries about 4 million to 5 million barrels of crude per day, is a vital link for Saudi oil exports.
The closure comes as Iran-aligned Houthi forces tightened their grip on Red Sea shipping routes, disrupting tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices have climbed back above $100 a barrel due to supply route disruptions on both sides of the Arabian Peninsula.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called US President Donald Trump at least twice seeking military assistance against the Houthis. However, Washington was unwilling to undertake direct military action but offered intelligence sharing and targeting support instead.