Saudi Pipeline Shutdown Threatens Oil Exports Amid Houthi Advances
Saudi Arabia's East-West crude pipeline has been shut down after attacks on Thursday injured several people and disrupted oil exports through the Red Sea. The shutdown affects a major alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran-backed Houthi forces have seized strategic islands and completed their takeover of Yemen's Red Sea coastline.
The Houthi advance increases the danger to vessels carrying cargoes south, while the pipeline can carry up to 7 million barrels of crude per day. The shutdown interrupts the overland connection to Yanbu port, which is a key route for Saudi oil exports without sending tankers through the Persian Gulf.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has asked President Donald Trump for military help against the Houthis in at least two calls on Thursday, but Washington declined direct strikes. Instead, it offered intelligence sharing and targeting assistance.