Iraq Admits Role in Saudi Oil Pipeline Attacks Amid Mideast Tensions
The Iraqi government confirmed on Saturday that attacks on a key Saudi oil pipeline originated from its territory. The confirmation came after Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered an investigation into the operations command in Maysan province and dismissed its commander.
Saudi Arabia shut down the major, cross-country oil pipeline on Friday as a precautionary measure, citing several drones that came from Iraq. The kingdom's foreign ministry said it would not retaliate to give the Iraqi government 'an opportunity to take the necessary measures.'
The East-West pipeline has been vital to Saudi Arabia's continued oil exports in the months since the Iran war disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. According to the International Energy Agency, Saudi oil exports through the Red Sea port at the pipeline's end have more than doubled since the Iran war erupted.