Trump Attributes Saudi Pipeline Attack to Iran Amid Ongoing Regional Tensions

On Thursday, drones launched from Iraqi airspace struck Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline, a key conduit that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz. The Saudi Ministry of Energy said the pipeline “was subjected to multiple attacks” that caused “a number of injuries.” The Saudi Energy Ministry shut the line as a precaution, while the Saudi Foreign Ministry confirmed that the drones originated from Iraq.

CNN

Saudi officials condemned the assault and ordered security teams to secure the pipeline and assess its safety. The Iraqi government, which launched an urgent investigation, denounced the use of its territory for the attacks and pledged that its airspace would not be employed for such operations.

CNN

The umbrella group of Iran-backed militias in Iraq, known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, publicly denied involvement in the drone strikes.

CNN

During a press briefing in Dublin, President Donald Trump said he believed Iran was “probably” behind the aerial attack. He added that Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis had contacted his administration, indicating they preferred the United States not become directly involved in the Yemeni conflict.

The Straits Times

Since the onset of the U.S.–Iran confrontation, the East-West pipeline has become vital for Saudi oil exports. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed by Iranian actions, Saudi Arabia rerouted roughly 5 million barrels of oil per day through the pipeline to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, preserving its export capacity.

CNNTimes of IsraelThe Straits TimesPresident Donald Trump says Iran war will end after U.S. midterm elections CNN

Responsibility for the drone attacks remains disputed. While President Trump and U.S. officials suggest Iranian involvement, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq explicitly rejected any role. No independent investigation results have been released, leaving the precise origin of the drones and the chain of command unclear.

CNN

• President Donald Trump (U.S.) – Stated that Iran is “probably” responsible and noted that the Houthis have expressed a desire to keep the United States out of the Yemen conflict.

Times of Israel

• Iraqi Government – Condemned the attacks, announced an urgent investigation, and affirmed that Iraq will not permit its territory or airspace to be used for such operations.

CNN

• Islamic Resistance in Iraq – Denied any responsibility for the drone strikes.

CNN

The temporary shutdown of the East-West pipeline underscores the vulnerability of Saudi oil logistics amid heightened Iran-U.S. tensions. By diverting 5 million barrels per day to the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia mitigated a potential supply shortfall that could have pressured global oil prices.

CNNTimes of IsraelThe Straits TimesPresident Donald Trump says Iran war will end after U.S. midterm elections CNN

• “I think they are, probably they are,” — Donald Trump, president

The Straits Times

• “They would much prefer not having us involved, and they're letting most ships go through. There's just one country that they're not too happy with, and we'll get that straightened out,” — Donald Trump, president

The Straits Times

• “when that happens, oil prices will come tumbling down.” — Donald Trump, president

Times of Israel

• “I think very soon. I think it’ll be probably right after the midterms. They’re trying to hold out as long as they can to complicate the election. But I think people are wise to it,” — Donald Trump, president

Times of Israel