Saudi Oil Pipeline Attacked from Iraq, Sparking Regional Tensions

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Saudi Oil Pipeline Attacked from Iraq, Sparking Regional Tensions

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Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi responded to the incident on Saturday, September 12, 2026, by dismissing the operations commander of Maysan province and initiating an investigation into the attacks.

Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline was temporarily shut down on Friday, September 11, 2026, following drone attacks that injured several people and caused damage in the Riyadh and Medina regions. Saudi authorities confirmed that the drones were launched from Iraq. This pipeline, also known as Petroline, is 1,200 kilometers long and plays a vital role in Saudi Arabia’s oil exports, especially since disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Its capacity can reach up to 7 million barrels per day.

In response to the attacks, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi, on Saturday, September 12, 2026, dismissed the operations commander and the police chief of Maysan province, which borders Iran, and ordered an investigation into the province’s security agencies. Iraqi security forces reportedly discovered drone launchers in the al-Tib area of Maysan province. Iraq also closed two key border crossings with Iran, Shalamcheh and Chazabeh, halting all passenger and commercial traffic.

Saudi Arabia stated it would not retaliate at this stage, giving the Iraqi government an opportunity to address the situation and prevent future attacks originating from its territory. Various Arab countries, including Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Egypt, have condemned the attacks. An umbrella group of Iran-backed militias in Iraq denied responsibility for the attacks but praised the Houthi rebels, who have also been active in the region. The incident has heightened concerns about regional stability and global oil supply, particularly given the ongoing conflicts and tensions in the Middle East.

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