Saudi Pipeline Shut Down Amid Drone Attack, Fanning Middle East Tensions

Saudi Arabia has temporarily shut down its East-West pipeline due to a drone attack that both Baghdad and Riyadh attributed to Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. The 745-mile pipeline, which carries 4 million to 5 million barrels of oil per day, is a crucial route for global supplies of Middle East oil.

The attack resulted in some injuries and damage, but the Saudi Foreign Ministry did not provide details on the impact on exports. Satellite images showed black smoke rising from an area of the pipeline south of Medina.

President Donald Trump, who was visiting Ireland at the time, suggested that Iran was responsible for the attack. The Houthis have been advancing along the Red Sea and had previously targeted Saudi vessels.