Saudi Oil Pipeline Knocked Out as Middle East Tensions Escalate
New strikes on Saudi Arabia and ships in the Gulf have heightened tensions in the Middle East, threatening to worsen disruptions to global energy supplies.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a vessel was struck by a projectile while passing through the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire and forcing the crew to evacuate. Iranian officials confirmed that one person was killed and four others wounded in a separate incident involving an Iranian commercial vessel off its coast.
Saudi Arabia's east-west oil pipeline, a critical route for global oil supplies, was knocked out by drone strikes on Friday, prompting concerns over the potential loss of up to 4% of global oil supply if it remains shut. The pipeline has been used as a bypass for oil shipments avoiding the Strait of Hormuz.
The attacks come amid a month-long escalation in the war between Saudi Arabia and its allies against Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen, which have captured key territories along the Red Sea coast. US officials confirmed that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has asked President Donald Trump for military aid to fight the Houthis, but was offered only intelligence support.
The conflict has raised concerns over oil prices, with diesel fuel reaching an all-time high above $6.20 a gallon in the United States. The Iranian government has stated that it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until its demands are met, further exacerbating tensions.