President Trump says Iran 'probably' behind attack
Saudi Arabia shut the East-West oil pipeline after drone strikes it said launched from Iraq, raising a fresh supply risk for global crude markets.
Mateo Fernandez ·
President Trump said on Sept. 12 that Iran is "probably" behind drone attacks that prompted Saudi Arabia to shut the East-West pipeline, threatening crude flows.
East-West pipeline shutdown
Analysts said the incident introduces a supply-risk premium into markets already sensitive to geopolitical disruption. Traders and energy analysts cautioned that the size of any price impact will depend on how long flows remain interrupted and whether alternate export routes can absorb diverted shipments.
President Trump's attribution placed a spotlight on Tehran, though Saudi officials blamed drones launched from Iraq rather than naming an actor. Officials and analysts warned the episode could complicate regional security dynamics and spur diplomatic and military responses if the parties escalate.
Watch for official updates and flow-restoration notices over the next 48 hours. Market participants will track any Saudi timeline for repairs and statements from regional authorities for a clearer sense of how the outage might affect supply and prices.
Saudi authorities said on Friday that drones launched from Iraq targeted the East-West crude artery, resulting in its temporary shutdown. Officials gave no immediate estimate of lost volumes or a timetable for repairs.