Saudi Pipeline Shut After Attacks as Houthis Expand

Saudi Arabia temporarily shut its East-West oil pipeline after multiple attacks in the Riyadh and Medina regions reportedly involving drones launched from Iraq; the strikes damaged pumping facilities and injured several people. Satellite imagery showed fires and heavy smoke near pumping stations, while U.S. officials said projectiles struck the pipeline system, though responsibility had not been independently established. The pipeline can carry up to 7 million barrels of crude a day from Abqaiq to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, providing an alternative export route when shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted. Riyadh said it would not retaliate immediately, backing Iraqi efforts to prevent further attacks while reserving the right to defend its sovereignty and infrastructure. The strikes coincided with Iran-backed Houthi forces seizing Yemen’s port city of Mocha, Perim island and nearby coastal positions, potentially increasing threats to Red Sea shipping and Saudi oil exports. The developments came as oil prices rose above $100 a barrel and Saudi production fell to about 6 million barrels a day.