Saudi Arabia halted operations on a key oil pipeline on Thursday following multiple drone attacks that ignited fires and caused injuries, officials confirmed. The strikes targeted the East-West pipeline, which transports up to 7 million barrels of crude oil daily from the kingdom’s oil fields to the Red Sea port of Yambu. The suspension was a precautionary response to the damage sustained.
Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman reported the attacks and injuries but did not specify casualty details. Satellite imagery revealed significant smoke and debris over the pipeline. A senior Saudi official, speaking to media outlets, indicated that the assaults originated from Iraq, attributing them to Iranian-backed militias who have been increasingly striking Saudi infrastructure. These groups are believed to be coordinating with Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in an effort to escalate the conflict across the region.
Meanwhile, the Houthis consolidated their control over strategic territory along Yemen’s Red Sea coast by seizing Mayun Island, located in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This narrow waterway, roughly 20 miles wide, serves as a vital maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is instrumental for Saudi oil exports. The Bab el-Mandeb lies opposite the Strait of Hormuz and is central to regional shipping routes.
The Houthi military announced their territorial gains with pledges of further escalation against Saudi Arabia and stated that maritime navigation remains safe for all vessels except those belonging to the Saudi kingdom. This development raises concerns over potential disruptions to global oil supplies and contributes to increased volatility in energy markets, with crude oil prices recently climbing above $100 per barrel.
In response to the intensified attacks, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly contacted U.S. President Donald Trump twice on Thursday, requesting American airstrikes against the Houthi forces. According to reports, the Trump administration declined these appeals and is not pursuing military action against the Houthis at this time.
The events underscore ongoing tensions involving Saudi Arabia, Iran-backed groups, and the broader geopolitical contest for influence in the Middle East, particularly in critical energy trade routes. The closures and escalating military activity have significant implications for regional security and global oil markets.