Arabic version: السعودية تغلق خط أنابيب النفط شرق-غرب بعد هجوم بطائرات مسيّرة من العراق

According to BBC News, Saudi Arabia has closed its East-West oil pipeline after drones launched from Iraq attacked the critical route, as conflict in the Middle East widens.

Riyadh said on Friday that it had shut the 1,200km (745-mile) pipeline as a precaution. The foreign ministry said the attack caused injuries and damage that was still being assessed. Satellite images showed scorched ground and smoke near the site.

The pipeline has enabled Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest crude oil exporter, to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. Reuters has reported, citing ship-tracking companies and analysts, that it has been moving 4% to 5% of global oil supply.

Iraq said it had removed the operations commander in Maysan governorate, which borders Iran, after confirming the attack originated there. Its government also launched an investigation. Saudi Arabia said it would not retaliate at this stage following a call from Iraq’s prime minister, while reserving its right to take measures to protect its sovereignty, security and facilities.

The closure coincides with Houthi gains in Yemen, where the Iranian-backed group says it controls the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Crude oil prices have risen above $100 a barrel for the first time since July, increasing fears over inflation and government borrowing costs.