Saudi Arabia Shuts Vital Pipeline After Drone Attacks

Saudi Arabia has suspended its 1,200-kilometre East-West crude pipeline after drones launched from Iraq struck pumping stations in the Riyadh and Medina regions. The attacks resulted in injuries to personnel and caused significant damage, with Copernicus Sentinel-3 satellites capturing images of a black plume over the desert.

• Pipeline transported 4 to 5 million barrels per day before shutdown
• Accounted for 4 to 5 percent of global supply as alternative to Strait of Hormuz
• Brent crude prices briefly approached $110 following the incident

Houthi Movement and Territorial Control

Simultaneously, Iran-aligned Houthi forces have seized Perim Island, also known as Mayun, located within the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, following their takeover of the port of Mocha. The forces have also advanced onto the Hanish islands and the mainland town of Dhubab, prompting the withdrawal of Saudi-backed units. Houthi spokesmen stated that maritime traffic remains safe except for Saudi vessels. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s office confirmed the drones originated from Iraq and dismissed the commander responsible for Maysan province, while urging Saudi Arabia to refrain from retaliation. Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, and the GCC Secretariat have condemned the pipeline strike.

Regional Meetings and Security Talks

Regional tensions are high as Oman prepares to host foreign ministers from Gulf littoral states, Iran, and Iraq on Monday, 14 September, to discuss maritime security. The UAE is expected to send a minister of state to the meeting. Meanwhile, the 18th BRICS summit is underway with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in attendance, though disagreements over maritime security language have stalled a joint declaration. Earlier this week, Houthi attacks on Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, and Najran resulted in 73 injuries among civilians. Other regional infrastructure, including Qatar's Ras Laffan, facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait, and locations in Duqm, Oman, have also faced recent strikes, further complicating regional stability.