Saudi Arabia shuts East-West oil pipeline after drone attack from Iraq

Saudi Arabia suspended operation of its critical East-West oil pipeline after a drone strike it says originated from Iraqi territory, marking the latest attack on regional energy infrastructure amid the wider Iran war.

Why this matters. The East-West pipeline is a key alternative route for Saudi crude that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz; its shutdown removes a major buffer against Hormuz-related supply disruption and could tighten global oil markets further.