Iran Distances Itself From Saudi Pipeline Attack as Vessel Hit in Strait of Hormuz

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has sought to distance his government from the escalating confrontation between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthis, saying Tehran is not at war with Riyadh. "We are not at war with Saudi Arabia. The Houthis have their own issues," he was quoted as saying.

His remarks came after drones, reportedly launched from Iraq, struck Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline. Riyadh said the attack caused injuries and damage, and Iraq confirmed the drones had been launched from its territory. Iraq subsequently closed a border crossing with Iran.

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Iran was probably responsible for the aerial attack that shut down the pipeline. Asked whether he believed Iran was behind it, Trump told reporters: "Well, I think they are. Probably they are."

Trump also said his administration has had discussions with the Houthis, without specifying when. "The Houthis called us, and they don't want to fight with us," he said. "They would much prefer not having us involved, and they're letting most ships go through."

On the Saudi leadership, Trump acknowledged speaking with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, describing him as "a good friend" and saying "everything's going to work out fine and dandy." US media reported that the crown prince had twice called Trump last week to request strikes on the Houthis, but the request was rejected.

The East-West pipeline has become vital to Saudi oil exports since the Iran war disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. According to the International Energy Agency, Saudi oil exports through the Red Sea port at the pipeline's end have more than doubled.

Separately, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said early on Sunday that a vessel was struck by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The crew's status, damage assessment and environmental impact were unknown.

On Sunday, Houthi fighters said they used drones and missiles to attack a military base in southern Saudi Arabia. The attack at the southern Sharurah base targeted "weapons depots and command and control centres that are managing the aggression against our nation and people," Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree wrote on X.

Clashes have increased this week between the Iran-allied Houthis and Yemeni government forces backed by Riyadh. The fighting follows a week-long Houthi offensive that led the group to capture the remainder of Yemen's Red Sea coast and several strategic islands, cementing their hold on the Bab al-Mandab Strait at the sea's southern entrance.