Saudi Arabia Shuts Down Key Oil Pipeline as Houthi Forces Advance in Red Sea

Saudi Arabia shut down its East West oil pipeline as a precaution after a drone strike hit the conduit in the Riyadh and Medina regions, with both Saudi and Iraqi officials tracing the attack’s origin to Iraq, where Iran-backed militias operate. Iraq’s government dismissed a military commander overseeing the border province linked to the strike and ordered the closure of a major crossing with Iran. The pipeline normally moves 4 to 5 million barrels of oil daily, accounting for a significant share of global supply.

Houthis Seize Strategic Red Sea Island

The pipeline attack coincided with Houthi forces capturing the island of Perim near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, tightening their control over a critical Red Sea shipping route. Combined with ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, the developments pushed global oil prices back above $100 per barrel. Saudi crude supply has dropped to its lowest level in more than three decades, according to the International Energy Agency.

Saudi Arabia Requests US Military Support

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly called President Trump twice seeking military assistance against the Houthis. Washington said it would help with intelligence sharing but was not prepared to take direct military action at this time.