In a controversial statement, Donald Trump, the President of the United States, announced on Saturday in Dublin that Iran is likely responsible for the attack on the East-West oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia. He added that the Houthi rebels in Yemen are not inclined to confront the United States.
Regional Reactions to the Attack
Trump, expressing confidence in resolving the situation, referred to his friendship with Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, saying, "The Crown Prince is a good friend and everything will go well." These remarks came as Arab countries and the Gulf Cooperation Council strongly condemned the attack on the Saudi oil pipeline. The Gulf Cooperation Council issued a statement condemning the attack "in the strongest terms" and called for decisive actions to prevent the use of Iraqi territory for future attacks.
Qatar also described these attacks as a blatant violation of international law and a threat to regional security, expressing support for Saudi Arabia. Jordan considered the attack a violation of Saudi sovereignty and supported Riyadh's actions to protect its country and resources.
The Saudi Ministry of Energy announced on Friday that the East-West oil pipeline was closed as a precaution due to "multiple" attacks. These attacks, which occurred in the Riyadh and Medina regions, resulted in injuries. Officials later stated that these attacks were carried out by drones launched from Iraq, and Saudi Arabia currently has no plans for retaliation.
Saudi Arabia reserves the right to take any necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and security. Given the full capacity of this pipeline, which is about seven million barrels per day, its importance in linking oil production sites in the Eastern Province with Yanbu on the western coast is undeniable.
Following these attacks, Iraqi officials also announced that under the leadership of Ali Al-Zaydi, the Prime Minister of Iraq, investigations have been initiated and a military commander has been dismissed. Al-Zaydi stated in a statement that Baghdad rejects any aggression that threatens the security and stability of Saudi Arabia.
