Iran-Backed Militias Blamed for Saudi Oil Pipeline Attack
Regional tensions escalate as Iran-backed militias in Iraq are accused of attacking Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline. The attack, which disrupted global trade and pushed up oil prices, was confirmed by Iraq's government to have originated from its territory.
The Houthis in Yemen, backed by Iran, put additional pressure on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, through which 12% of global trade passes. Regional officials told The Associated Press that the Houthis and Iraqi militias recently coordinated attacks on Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia shut down its East-West pipeline as a precautionary measure after it came under drone attack. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian claimed his country was not involved in the pipeline attack, stating that 'We are not in war with Saudi Arabia.'