The closure follows Houthi rebels' capture of a strategic island, raising tensions in the Red Sea region
Category: Politics
Saudi Arabia announced on September 11, 2026, that it has shut down its East-West oil pipeline following a series of drone attacks attributed to Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. The attacks occurred the day prior, targeting the pipeline in the Riyadh and Medina regions, causing fires and injuries, according to the Saudi government.
The East-West pipeline, which has a capacity of seven million barrels per day, is a key infrastructure for Saudi oil exports, especially as the kingdom seeks alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway increasingly threatened by Iranian military actions. The Saudi Ministry of Energy described the shutdown as a precautionary measure, emphasizing the need to secure the pipeline and assess its safety after the attacks.
"Any developments will be announced in due course," the ministry stated, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the pipeline's future operations. Meanwhile, the Saudi Foreign Ministry pointed fingers at Iraq, claiming that the drones originated from there. In response, the Iraqi government condemned the assault and initiated an investigation.
The drone strikes come at a time when Yemen’s Houthi rebels have gained ground in the Red Sea region, having recently captured Mayun Island, a strategic location at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This advance marks the Houthis' most substantial territorial gain in years and poses a direct threat to international shipping routes.
Saudi Arabia has relied heavily on the Red Sea for oil exports, particularly as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have escalated. The Houthis' control over Mayun Island complicates Saudi efforts to maintain secure shipping lanes. In a statement, the Houthi armed forces claimed responsibility for the recent territorial gains and vowed to continue their campaign against Saudi Arabia, asserting that "maritime navigation is safe for all companies except for Saudi vessels."
As the situation escalates, oil prices have reacted sharply, with crude prices rising above $100 per barrel for the first time in months. Market analysts suggest that the combination of Houthi advancements and the pipeline closure could lead to increased energy prices globally, as the stability of the region remains in question.
The Houthi attacks are part of a broader strategy to exert pressure on Saudi Arabia, which has been engaged in a long-standing conflict with the rebels since 2014. The Houthis have previously declared a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, seeking to disrupt the kingdom's oil exports through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Saudi Arabia's decision not to retaliate immediately against Iraq following the drone attacks reflects a strategic approach aimed at allowing Baghdad to address the situation. An official statement from the Saudi Foreign Ministry indicated that the kingdom would refrain from responding to give the Iraqi government an opportunity to take necessary measures against the perpetrators.
The East-West pipeline, built in the 1980s during the Iran-Iraq War, was established to facilitate Saudi oil exports, particularly when the Strait of Hormuz was under threat. With the pipeline now closed, Saudi Arabia faces increased pressure to find alternative routes for its oil exports, potentially sending crude north through the Suez Canal or via a longer route through Egypt.
Historically, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has been a strategic chokepoint for maritime trade, connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and beyond. The current conflict has significantly impacted shipping through the strait, with estimates indicating a 60% reduction in maritime traffic since the Houthis began their recent campaign. This development raises concerns about the global supply chain and energy security.
The situation has prompted international calls for a return to negotiations between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, especially as the conflict threatens to escalate into a wider regional war. Iran has expressed support for the Houthis, calling for an end to the blockade of Houthi-held areas and urging renewed talks between the parties involved.
The immediate future remains uncertain as Saudi Arabia assesses the damage to the East-West pipeline and considers its next steps. Emergency teams have been deployed to secure the pipeline, but the closure may lead to prolonged disruptions in oil exports, exacerbating already high global energy prices.
In a related development, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has condemned the drone attacks as a dangerous escalation, calling for Iraq to intensify its efforts to prevent its territory from being used for such assaults. The GCC's Secretary-General reaffirmed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and emphasized the importance of protecting the kingdom's security and stability.
As the conflict continues, the humanitarian situation in Yemen deteriorates. The United Nations has reported over 46,000 people fleeing violence in the past week, with many seeking safety with little more than what they can carry. The potential for a return to full-scale civil war hangs large, threatening the lives of millions in one of the world's poorest countries.
In the coming days, the international community will follow closely closely for any signs of escalation or attempts at diplomatic resolution. The stakes are high, not just for the countries involved but for global energy markets that could face severe disruptions as a result of the conflict. The situation remains fluid, and attention will turn to Riyadh and Baghdad as they navigate this complex and dangerous scenario.