Saudi Arabia temporarily shut down its East-West oil pipeline after attacks struck pumping stations and triggered fires, raising fresh concerns about energy infrastructure in the region. CNN reported that Saudi officials confirmed injuries and damage at facilities in the Riyadh and Madinah regions.
U.S. officials told CNN that an early assessment indicated drones used in the strikes may have originated from Iraq. Iraqi authorities condemned the attack and said an investigation had been opened to determine who was responsible.
The East-West pipeline carries crude oil from eastern Saudi Arabia to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. The route is strategically important because it allows Saudi exports to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping corridor that has faced disruption during the regional conflict.
The temporary shutdown adds pressure to global oil markets already dealing with supply concerns and shipping risks. Saudi authorities have not said how long the pipeline will remain offline as crews inspect the damage and evaluate when operations can safely resume.
