US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: New tensions hit the Middle East on Thursday after Saudi Arabia said its East-West oil pipeline was targeted by drones launched from Iraq. Saudi Foreign Ministry said Riyadh has decided not to retaliate for now, allowing Iraqi authorities to take action to prevent further attacks originating from Iraqi soil. The move comes amid rising tensions surrounding the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict, sparking fears the hostilities could spread across the region.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: Saudi Arabia says East-West pipeline was attacked by drones launched from Iraq
Saudi Foreign Ministry says that the East-West oil pipeline was attacked by drones launched from Iraq.
Saudi Arabia has chosen not to retaliate at this stage, the ministry’s statement said, “to allow the Iraqi authorities the opportunity to take measures to prevent attacks launched from its territory against the Kingdom and neighbouring countries.”
US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: US military says it has redirected nearly 100 vessels to date as part of Iran blockade
US Central Command says it has redirected 99 commercial vessels in its blockade of Iran to date.
In a post on X, CENTCOM said it is ensuring “total compliance” with the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway Iran has kept largely closed for the last six months of conflict.
Iranian diplomats are due to meet with Iraqi and GCC delegations in Oman on Monday to negotiate the security of the key maritime chokepoint.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: Iran says meeting with GCC states, Iraq aims at reaching shared regional security
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei says that the goal of the regional meeting in Oman on Monday is to reach shared regional security.
Iran and Oman will discuss navigation in the Strait of Hormuz with the other Gulf countries and Iraq, Baghaei told the Iranian state broadcaster (IRIB).
Baghaei blamed the United States for instability in the key waterway and rising fuel prices.
“Iran found itself in a situation where it had to take action to safeguard its national security,” he said.
Baghaei added that Iran recognises the importance of reaching a diplomatic solution but added that “negotiation is impossible if the other party is not ready.”
US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: Saudi Arabia suspends crucial East-West pipeline bypassing Hormuz following attacks
The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Energy says it is suspending its only major route to export oil that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz after “multiple targeting incidents”.
In a post on X, the ministry said it was enforcing a “precautionary suspension” of the East-West pipeline.
The pipeline was targeted on Thursday morning, injuring multiple people. Riyadh has not said who is responsible for the attack, which comes amid a lightning offensive that saw the Houthis seize complete control of Yemen’s entire Red Sea coastline.
