A drone strike launched from Iraqi airspace has forced Saudi Arabia to shut down the East‑West pipeline that carries a significant portion of the world’s crude oil—intensifying the regional fight for energy dominance.
The 1,200‑km pipeline, which reroutes flow from the Gulf of Suez to Jeddah, has been operational since 2009 and has been a key alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. Satellite images released by the European Copernicus Sensor show scorched sections near the strike site and a plume of smoke rising from the damaged structure.
Iraqi officials confirmed the drone originated from the Maysan governorate, a province directly abutting Iran, and have removed the operations commander responsible for the launch. The Iraqi government is conducting a formal investigation and has pledged that "no other attacks will be permitted against neighbouring states."
Meanwhile, Houthi rebels have seized extensive stretches of Yemen’s coastline, including areas near the Bab al‑Mandab Strait. The group claims control over the strait but insists maritime traffic remains safe for most vessels, aside from Saudi ships. This escalation has pushed global crude prices above $100 a barrel for the first time since July.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry stated it “does not plan to retaliate immediately” after a call from the Iraqi Prime Minister but will “reserve all necessary measures” to safeguard its sovereignty and infrastructure.
The Gulf Cooperation Council has condemned the strike as a dangerous escalation, warning against further aggression and violation of international law. The incident underscores the fragile state of oil supply routes in a region where civil war, insurgency and geopolitical rivalry intersect.
