Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline Attacked Amid Houthi Advances

Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline was attacked by drones on Thursday morning, forcing the suspension of operations due to precautionary safety measures. According to the Saudi Energy Ministry, the attack occurred in both Riyadh and Medina regions, resulting in injuries and damage to pumping stations alongside the main pipeline.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called President Donald Trump twice on Thursday, urging him to launch strikes against the Houthis as they closed in on the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. However, Trump declined both calls, citing no plans for direct US military intervention against the Houthis at this time.

The East-West pipeline has become crucial for Saudi Arabia's oil exports since Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz in February 2026. With a capacity of approximately 5 million barrels per day, the pipeline reroutes oil from Saudi fields to the Red Sea port of Yanbu for export via the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

The simultaneous targeting of the East-West pipeline and the Houthis' capture of strategic positions in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait raises concerns about Saudi Arabia's ability to maintain its primary Hormuz bypass route. Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, had previously declared that either all Gulf states export their oil freely or none will.