Iraq Accused of Pipeline Attack Amid Heightened Tensions with Saudi Arabia

Iraq's government is racing to contain fallout after Iran-backed militias were accused of attacking a key Saudi oil pipeline, shutting down the top global oil producer's alternative to the Iranian-threatened Strait of Hormuz.

The attack on the East-West pipeline came as Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen put further pressure on neighboring Saudi Arabia and its shipping, reaching the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the southern end of the Red Sea, through which around 12% of global trade passes.

Saudi Arabia shut down the cross-country oil pipeline on Friday as a 'precautionary measure' after it came under drone attack the day before. It said several drones came from Iraq but the kingdom would not retaliate, to give the Iraqi government 'an opportunity to take the necessary measures'.