Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline Hit in Drone Attack, Global Energy Security at Risk

A drone attack on Saudi Arabia's critical East-West oil pipeline has halted the flow of Saudi oil exports, adding to existing disruptions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz since March. The pipeline, which stretches over 1,200km across the Arabian Peninsula, was hit in the Riyadh and Medina areas by drones launched from Iraq.

The attack originated in the southeastern Iraqi province of Maysan, according to the office of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. No group has claimed responsibility for the strike, but experts believe it was likely carried out by an Iran-backed armed group.

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it would hold off on responding 'at this stage' at the request of the Iraqi prime minister, reserving the right to take measures necessary to protect its interests. The closure of the pipeline has halted the flow of four to five million barrels of oil per day, amounting to 4-5% of global supply.

Analysts warn that this is a significant blow to global energy security, with US diesel prices hitting an all-time high and Brent crude oil currently costing over $104 per barrel. Saudi political analyst Khalid Bartafi said the attacks could cause 'dire consequences' for the global community, while Ben Cahill, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center, noted that this is a real blow to Saudi Arabia's principal bypass option to avoid the Strait of Hormuz.