Saudi Arabia has temporarily halted operations on its major East-West oil pipeline after a drone attack, increasing concerns over potential disruptions to global energy supplies.
The pipeline transports crude oil from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea coast, allowing Saudi Arabia to export part of its production without relying entirely on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.
Riyadh and Baghdad said the attack was launched from Iraq, although the group responsible has not yet been identified.
The East-West pipeline had recently been moving around 4 to 5 million barrels of oil per day, representing roughly 4% to 5% of global oil supply. Its importance has increased in recent years as Saudi Arabia seeks alternative export routes amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region.
Meanwhile, sources told Reuters that Yemeni Houthi forces have seized the strategic Perim Island in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, another key maritime chokepoint for global trade and energy shipments.
Saudi Arabia has reportedly requested military assistance from the United States to counter Houthi advances. According to sources, Washington has not approved direct military action at this stage but has offered intelligence and target-identification support.
The latest developments have increased concerns over security risks across major energy routes in the Middle East. Any prolonged disruption involving Gulf oil infrastructure or shipping lanes could create additional upward pressure on crude prices and increase volatility across global markets.
