Washington responded swiftly on Saturday after an attack on Saudi Arabia’s East‑West oil pipeline was traced to Iraq. President Trump said Iran‑backed militias were “probably” responsible, but emphasized that the United States is not at war with Saudi Arabia and called for calm.
Trump administration’s response
President Trump told reporters, “The Houthis called us, and they don’t want to fight with us. They would much prefer not having us involved, and they’re letting most ships go through.” He added that his team has held discussions with the Houthis and that the United States remains committed to protecting global oil flow without escalating the conflict.
Iraqi government action
Prime Minister Ali al‑Zaidi ordered an immediate investigation into the incident, focusing on the Maysan province along the Iranian border. The provincial police chief and the commander of the province’s operations were dismissed as part of the response.
Iraq has set a September 30 deadline for non‑state armed groups to disarm, but several powerful militias have signaled they will not comply, raising concerns about further Iranian proxy activity in the region.
Regional context
The pipeline attack coincided with increased pressure from the Iran‑backed Houthis in Yemen on the Bab el‑Mandeb Strait, a vital chokepoint for roughly 12% of global trade. Regional officials told the Associated Press that the Houthis and Iraqi militias have recently coordinated attacks on Saudi targets.
Saudi Arabia shut down the cross‑country pipeline as a precautionary measure after the drone strike, blaming drones launched from Iraq but stating it would not retaliate, allowing the Iraqi government an opportunity to take necessary measures.
International reactions
Several Arab states, including Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Egypt, condemned the attack, according to the Saudi state news agency.
Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia and the United States conducted airstrikes against Iran‑backed militias in Iraq after similar drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities were attributed to the Houthis.
Broader implications for oil markets
The East‑West pipeline, built in the 1980s, has become a critical alternative route for Saudi oil exports following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. By early June, Saudi exports from the Red Sea port at the pipeline’s terminus had more than doubled to over 5 million barrels per day, according to the International Energy Agency.
Analysts warn that continued attacks could push global oil prices higher, already strained after six months of regional conflict.
Diplomatic developments
Iran announced plans for a regional meeting with Gulf countries to discuss shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran also expressed interest in charging transit fees for vessels passing through its waters, linking any opening of the waterway to the end of the U.S. blockade, as stated by Iran’s president.
Bahrain, however, said it will not attend any meeting that includes Iran until diplomatic relations are restored.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
