Tuesday 15 September 2026
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Iraq fires commander after Saudi oil pipeline drone attack; Houthis seize Red Sea island

Saudi Arabia closes East-West pipeline as Middle East conflict widens

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By LineZotpaper
Published
Updated
Read Time2 min
Sources6 outlets
Iraq has dismissed a military commander in its southern Maysan province and launched an investigation after confirming that drones that struck Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline originated from that region, while Houthi rebels captured a strategic island at the entrance to the Red Sea. Saudi Arabia temporarily closed the pipeline as a precaution and, at the request of Iraq's prime minister, has chosen not to retaliate at this stage.

Saudi Arabia said drones launched from Iraq hit its East-West pipeline in the Riyadh and Medina regions on Thursday morning local time, causing human injuries and damage. The foreign ministry said the kingdom had decided, following a call from Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, "to support the efforts of the Iraqi government … to prevent attacks launched from Iraq against the Kingdom and neighbouring countries." It added that Saudi Arabia reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and facilities.

The 1,200-kilometre (745-mile) pipeline, which links Abqaiq near the Gulf to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, has become critical since the start of the US-Iran war, allowing Saudi Arabia to bypass the Strait of Hormuz after Iran closed it. By early June, Saudi Arabia had more than doubled oil exports from Yanbu to more than 5 million barrels per day, according to the International Energy Agency. The pipeline has been moving 4 to 5 percent of global oil supply, according to Reuters.

Iraq condemned the assault and removed the operations commander in Maysan province, which borders Iran, after investigations confirmed the drone attacks originated from there. The attack comes as Iran-backed Houthi rebels made their biggest territorial gains in years, capturing Mayun (also known as Perim), a barren volcanic island inside the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The seizure was confirmed by a senior military official with Yemen's internationally recognised government and by a Houthi official, both speaking anonymously. Yemen's Saudi-backed government forces said they had struck Houthi fighters in the coastal city of Mokha.

Regional officials told the Associated Press that the Houthis helped Iraqi militias plan and execute the attacks. Saudi Arabia and the US bombed Iranian-backed militias in Iraq in July after similar drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities were claimed by the Houthis.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The East-West pipeline carries a significant portion of global oil supply; its closure threatens already tight energy markets.
  • Houthi control of Mayun island gives them a strategic position over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital chokepoint for global shipping.
  • The attack from Iraq raises the risk of a wider regional war, with Saudi Arabia for now exercising restraint but reserving the right to respond.

Background

The US-Iran war, now in its seventh month, has already closed the Strait of Hormuz, forcing Saudi Arabia to rely heavily on the East-West pipeline to export oil. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have been advancing along Yemen's Red Sea coast, threatening shipping lanes. Saudi Arabia and the US previously struck Iranian-backed militias in Iraq in July after blaming them for drone attacks on Saudi facilities.

Key Perspectives

Saudi Arabia: Has chosen restraint at Iraq's request but emphasises its right to self-defence. The pipeline closure shows the vulnerability of its energy infrastructure. Iraq: Has taken immediate steps to show accountability, firing the local commander and launching an investigation, likely seeking to avoid escalation with its powerful neighbour. Houthis & Iran-backed militias: Their coordinated actions — island seizure and pipeline attack — suggest a broader strategy to pressure Saudi Arabia and target global oil flows in support of Iran's war effort.

What to Watch

  • Whether the pipeline reopens quickly or remains shut, and the impact on global oil prices.
  • The outcome of Iraq's investigation and whether it leads to concrete action against the militias involved.
  • Houthi下一步 moves: full control of Bab el-Mandeb could trigger a major naval response.

Sources

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Articles published under the Zotpaper byline are synthesized from multiple source publications by our AI editor and reviewed by our editorial process. Each story combines reporting from credible outlets to give readers a balanced, comprehensive view.

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