Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry condemned the targeting of the kingdom's East–West Pipeline by multiple drones launched from Iraq, reporting injuries and material damage. The Ministry stated that, at the request of the Iraqi Prime Minister, Riyadh has chosen not to respond at this stage and will support Iraqi government efforts, while reaffirming its right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry issued a statement late tonight condemning the drone attack that destroyed the East–West Pipeline and announcing that, at the request of the Iraqi Prime Minister, Riyadh has chosen not to retaliate at this stage. The Ministry reiterated the kingdom's right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security, and infrastructure.
The statement comes hours after a cascade of reports Friday evening. At 19:54 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported, citing Saudi sources, that the strategic pipeline had been struck by multiple drones launched from Iraqi territory and rendered inoperative, with the attack attributed to Shia militias. Shortly thereafter, Saudi energy authorities confirmed the pipeline was shut down and that nine fire sites were detected along its length. Satellite imagery released later in the evening confirmed the complete destruction of the pumping station. By 23:26 Jerusalem, The Zioneer summarized: the pipeline — which links the kingdom's eastern oil fields to Red Sea terminals, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz — was destroyed.
The decision to withhold retaliation reflects a delicate balance in a wider campaign against Saudi energy infrastructure. As the desk has previously documented, the kingdom has faced waves of drone and missile attacks attributed to Iran-backed Shia militias in Iraq and Houthis in Yemen. In recent months, Saudi Arabia has at times responded with joint US airstrikes on militia positions inside Iraq. The East–West Pipeline's destruction marks one of the most severe blows to Saudi crude export capacity, blocking a key alternative export route.
It remains unclear whether Baghdad will act to prevent further launches from its territory, or whether Riyadh will maintain its restraint if attacks from Iraq continue. No timeline for pipeline repairs has been announced.
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