The Saudi Ministry of Energy said the attacks occurred on Thursday morning in the Riyadh and Madinah regions, prompting the temporary suspension of operations as a precautionary measure.

Emergency and specialist technical teams were deployed to secure the pipeline, assess the damage and ensure the safety of the facility, the ministry said. Several people were injured in the attacks and received medical treatment.

The East-West Pipeline is particularly important to Saudi Arabia because it provides an alternative route for exporting crude without relying on the Strait of Hormuz, which has been severely disrupted amid the ongoing regional conflict.

The approximately 1,200-kilometre pipeline links oil-producing areas in eastern Saudi Arabia with the Red Sea port of Yanbu. Saudi Arabia has increased its reliance on the route since the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iraq confirms attack originated from its territory

Iraq’s government has acknowledged that the drone attack originated from Iraqi territory and launched an investigation into the incident.

Iraqi authorities also dismissed the commander responsible for operations in Maysan province, where the attack was determined to have originated, as Baghdad moved to contain the diplomatic fallout.

Saudi Arabia said it had decided not to retaliate immediately after a request from Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, giving Baghdad an opportunity to take measures to prevent further attacks launched from its territory.

Riyadh nevertheless warned that it reserves the right to take whatever measures are necessary to protect its sovereignty, security, infrastructure and population.

Growing pressure on regional oil supplies

The pipeline shutdown comes at a sensitive time for global energy markets. The East-West route has become increasingly important as disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have restricted traditional oil shipping routes.

The latest attack has therefore raised fresh concerns about the security of Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure and the potential impact on global crude supplies.

Oil prices have already moved above $100 a barrel amid wider disruptions across the Middle East, while attacks and instability around other strategic waterways have added to concerns over international energy and shipping routes.

The attack also comes as Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen have increased their activity around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another major maritime passage linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.

Saudi authorities have condemned the pipeline attack but have so far opted for restraint while Iraq investigates the incident.

The Saudi government said, however, that it remains prepared to take further action if necessary to protect its territory and critical infrastructure.