Iraq Confirms Saudi Pipeline Attack Came From Its Territory, Fires 2 Officials
Updated
Updated · KABC-TV · Sep 12
Iraq Confirms Saudi Pipeline Attack Came From Its Territory, Fires 2 Officials
3 articles · Updated · KABC-TV · Sep 12
Summary
Baghdad confirmed the drone attack that shut Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline originated from Iraqi territory, then dismissed Maysan province's operations commander and police chief while ordering an investigation.
Saudi Arabia halted the pipeline Friday as a precaution after drones came from Iraq, but said it would not retaliate immediately, giving Baghdad time to act.
Iran-backed militias in Iraq denied carrying out the strike and said they would cooperate, even as Iraq faces a Sept. 30 deadline to disarm nonstate groups that several powerful factions reject.
Iraq also closed two main border crossings with Iran as officials investigated earlier violations, in a move state media linked to the pipeline probe.
The attack deepens pressure on a key Saudi export route that was carrying more than 5 million barrels a day after Hormuz disruptions, while Houthi gains near the Bab el-Mandeb threaten another artery for 12% of global trade.
With Iraqi militias proving they can strike critical Saudi infrastructure, what prevents a full-scale regional conflict from erupting over global oil supplies?
If Saudi Arabia's primary alternative to the Strait of Hormuz is compromised, how will the global energy market survive a dual chokepoint blockade?
Why did the drone strike specifically target pumping stations, and does this reveal a calculated strategy to manipulate international oil prices?
The 2026 Dual-Chokepoint Crisis: How Drone Strikes and Houthi Advances Cut Off 70% of Saudi Oil Exports and Shocked Global Markets
Overview
The September 2026 Middle East crisis began when U.S. and Israeli airstrikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, prompting Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz. This forced Saudi Arabia to reroute most of its oil exports through the East-West Petroline. On September 10, drone strikes from Iraq damaged this pipeline, causing a shutdown and a spike in global oil prices. At the same time, Houthi forces in Yemen captured key Red Sea ports, seizing the Bab al-Mandab strait. With both major oil routes blocked, global shipping costs soared, fueling inflation and forcing central banks to tighten monetary policy worldwide.