Saudi Pipeline Shut Down After Drone Attack from Iraq
Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline has been shut down after it was attacked by drones from Iraq, according to the Saudi Ministry of Energy. The attack triggered fires at pump stations along the pipeline, with satellite images showing extensive damage and thick black smoke rising from one station.
The incident is the latest escalation in the conflict between Iran-backed forces and Saudi Arabia, which has seen oil prices surge past $100 a barrel amid sharp swings driven by events in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump suggested that Iran was likely behind the attack, saying 'I think they are, probably they are.'
The pipeline is critical to Saudi Arabia's oil exports, with about 5 million barrels of oil per day being rerouted through it since the US-Iran war began. The Iraqi government has condemned the attack and ordered an investigation into those responsible.