Iraq Confirms Pipeline Attack Originated from Its Territory Amid Iran Blame
Iraq's government has confirmed that attacks on a key Saudi oil pipeline originated from its territory. The confirmation comes as US President Donald Trump appeared to blame Iran for the attack.
The East-West pipeline, which carries vital oil exports from Saudi Arabia through the Red Sea port, was attacked by drones earlier this week. The International Energy Agency reports that Saudi oil exports through the port have more than doubled since the Iran war disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump told reporters that he 'probably' thinks Iran is behind the attack on the pipeline. However, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has ordered an investigation into the operations command in Maysan province, which borders Iran, and dismissed its commander after determining that the attacks originated from there.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry blamed the attacks on drones coming from Iraq and said the kingdom would not retaliate to give the Iraqi government 'an opportunity to take the necessary measures.'