Iraq Says Attacks on Saudi Oil Pipeline Were Launched From Its Territory
Iraq confirmed attacks on a key Saudi oil pipeline originated from Maysan province, prompting an investigation and the dismissal of a commander, while Saudi Arabia shut the pipeline as a precaution.
Iraq's government said on Saturday that attacks on a major Saudi oil pipeline were launched from its territory, pledging a full investigation into how the operation was mounted.
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered an inquiry into the operations command in Maysan province and dismissed its commander after authorities determined the attacks targeting Saudi Arabia had been launched from a site there, according to a government statement issued early Saturday.
Saudi Arabia shut down the cross-country East-West pipeline on Friday, describing the move as a precautionary measure. The kingdom's Foreign Ministry blamed the attacks on several drones that came from Iraq and said it would not retaliate, in order to give the Iraqi government an opportunity to take the necessary measures.
The East-West pipeline has been vital to Saudi Arabia's continued oil exports in the months 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 since the Iran war erupted.
Tehran-backed Iraqi militias have launched attacks on U.S.-linked targets both inside and outside Iraq since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, and have coordinated with Yemen's Houthi rebels to attack Saudi Arabia.
In a separate development, Iraq closed two key border crossings with Iran, halting all passenger and commercial traffic until further notice, Iran's state-run media reported Saturday. Valiollah Hayati, deputy governor of Iran's southwestern Khuzestan province, said Iraqi officials had announced the closure of the Shalamcheh and Chazabeh crossings, among the main official border points between the two countries. He urged traders, drivers and travelers not to approach the crossings until further notice, adding that relevant authorities would release additional information.
Meanwhile, fears are mounting that gas and oil prices may rise and international shipping could be further disrupted after Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis seized a key island and captured a Red Sea port. Crude prices this week soared again above $100 a barrel, giving Tehran more leverage in any talks. Analysts worry that the Houthis' seizure of Yemen's port city of Mokha may create further complications for shipping on the Red Sea and raise oil prices.