Saudi Arabia closes East-West pipeline as Houthis tighten grip on Red Sea

Summary

Saudi Arabia temporarily shut its 1,200-kilometer East-West oil pipeline after an aerial attack damaged infrastructure near Medina, according to the article. Saudi and Iraqi authorities reportedly said the drone originated in Iraq, where Iranian-backed militias operate, although no group immediately claimed responsibility. Iraq dismissed a military commander in response. The pipeline had reportedly carried 4 million to 5 million barrels of crude per day—about 4% to 5% of global supply—while the Strait of Hormuz was largely closed because of the broader regional war. Its shutdown raises the risk of further disruption to global oil markets. Saudi officials said there were injuries and damage, but did not specify the effect on exports. US President Donald Trump said Iran was probably responsible, though the article provides no independent confirmation. Separately, Saudi Civil Defence said a Houthi projectile injured two people and damaged buildings, including a mosque, in the Jazan region. Reuters sources said Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman asked Trump for military assistance against the Houthis, but Washington reportedly declined direct intervention while offering intelligence support. Yemeni government sources also claimed the Houthis seized Perim island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategically important Red Sea passage.