Iran-Backed Militias Blamed for Saudi Oil Pipeline Attack
The attack on Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline has been blamed on Iran-backed militias in Iraq, sparking a diplomatic crisis in the region. The pipeline, which was shut down as a precautionary measure after coming under drone attack, is a key route for exporting oil from Saudi Arabia.
The Iraqi government confirmed that the attacks originated from its territory and pledged to investigate, dismissing two senior officials in connection with the incident. The Houthis in Yemen have also been putting pressure on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, affecting global trade.
The US President Donald Trump said Iran was 'probably' responsible for the pipeline attack but tried to calm concerns, stating that his administration had discussions with the Houthis in May 2025. The Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told India Today TV on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in India that the Houthis have their own problems and are not seeking a war with Saudi Arabia.