Iran-Backed Militias Blamed for Attack on Key Saudi Pipeline

A key Saudi pipeline was attacked by Iran-backed militias in Iraq, shutting down the top global oil producer's alternative to the Iranian-threatened Strait of Hormuz.

The attack on Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline came as the Houthis in Yemen put further pressure on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the southern end of the Red Sea, through which around 12% of global trade passes.

The US President Donald Trump said Iran was “probably” responsible for the pipeline attack, but tried to calm concerns.