Iraq Confirms Pipeline Attacks Originated from Its Territory
The Iraqi government has confirmed that attacks on a key Saudi oil pipeline originated from its territory. The pipeline, which is a major conduit for Saudi Arabia's oil exports, was shut down by the kingdom as a precautionary measure after several drones were detected coming from Iraq.
The Iraqi Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi, has ordered an investigation into the operations command in Maysan province and dismissed its commander. The East-West pipeline is crucial to Saudi Arabia's oil exports, which have more than doubled since the Iran war disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The attacks on the pipeline are part of a broader pattern of escalation between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Yemen. The Houthis' seizure of a key island and port in Yemen has raised concerns about further disruptions to international shipping and a potential increase in oil prices, which have already soared above $100 a barrel.