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The Saudi foreign ministry said several drones originating from Iraq targeted the East-West Pipeline on Thursday, resulting in human injuries and material damage that crews were addressing. In its statement, the ministry expressed strongest condemnation of the strikes while noting that Saudi Arabia had agreed to refrain from immediate retaliation following a direct request from Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. The ministry added that the kingdom reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security and critical facilities.
Iraq’s government condemned the attacks on its Saudi neighbor and affirmed that it would not permit its territory or airspace to be used for such actions, according to a statement from the office of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. Iraqi authorities ordered an urgent investigation and dismissed the military commander overseeing operations in Maysan province, where the drones were believed to have originated. The Iraqi response welcomed Saudi restraint and emphasized the deep fraternal ties between the two countries.
The Gulf Cooperation Council denounced the strike in the strongest terms, calling it a dangerous escalation and an unacceptable threat to Saudi Arabia’s territorial integrity and vital installations. GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi described the attack as a flagrant violation of international law and urged decisive steps to ensure Iraqi territory is not exploited for further assaults. The council expressed complete solidarity with Saudi Arabia and support for measures to safeguard its security.
Qatar’s foreign ministry stated that targeting civilian and economic facilities represents a blatant breach of international law and a dangerous escalation that undermines regional stability. Bahrain condemned the assault on vital energy infrastructure as a violation of the UN Charter and principles of good neighborliness while affirming full support for Saudi Arabia’s right to defend its sovereignty. Jordan similarly characterized the strike as a breach of Saudi sovereignty and backed all steps Riyadh takes to protect its people and resources.
The Muslim World League labeled the attack treacherous and criminal, with Secretary-General Mohammed Al-Issa stressing that it violates religious values along with international and humanitarian laws. The league affirmed its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia in all measures to deter aggressors and preserve the kingdom’s security and the safety of its citizens. Comparable expressions of support and condemnation came from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Arab Parliament and multiple other Arab states including Kuwait, the UAE, Egypt, Libya, Oman, Syria, Lebanon and Pakistan.
The East-West Pipeline has transported between 4 million and 5 million barrels per day in recent months, according to ship tracking companies and analysts cited in a Reuters assessment, serving as a key conduit from Abqaiq to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. Saudi energy officials said the line was closed as a precaution after the strikes triggered fires, with teams assessing safety and addressing damage. The incident follows a previous drone attack on the same pipeline in April that temporarily reduced pumping capacity by nearly 700,000 barrels per day.
President Donald Trump told reporters that Iran was probably behind the assault, although Iranian officials have not commented on the claim. The attack comes amid heightened regional tensions involving Iran-aligned groups and disruptions to key maritime energy routes. Saudi Arabia has increased reliance on the pipeline to maintain exports while navigating these challenges.
