Saudi Pipeline Shut After Attack
Drone attacks shut a key Saudi oil pipeline, lifting prices and raising Iran tensions.
What happened
Saudi Arabia shut its East-West oil pipeline after Thursday drone attacks damaged the line, sending crude prices higher Sunday. The route can carry about 7 million barrels a day and bypasses the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping has been severely disrupted. Saudi Arabia has not said how bad the damage is or when the line will reopen. Iraq said the attacks came from its territory and promised an investigation; U.S. officials and others blamed Iran-backed Iraqi militias. A planned Monday Oman meeting on Hormuz was postponed after the attack.
From the left
Coverage on the left framed the shutdown as another threat to energy supply and market stability. The New York Times said oil rose, stock futures slipped, and Saudi Arabia called the closure a precaution. It also noted most Hormuz shipping has halted; before the war, as much as one-fifth of world oil moved there. PBS NewsHour highlighted Iraq’s damage control, including its confirmation the attack came from Iraq, its promised investigation, and militia denials.
From the right
Right-leaning coverage focused on suspected Iran-backed militia action and rising pressure on Saudi oil. The Daily Caller said Iranian-backed militias in Iraq reportedly used drones against the East-West pipeline, while also saying who launched the Aramco strikes remained unconfirmed. It described the pipeline as a vital outlet since the war began, said the attack added to pressure from Houthi strikes, and noted the full damage remains unclear.
Headlines
how each side wrote itLeft2
Attack that closed key Saudi pipeline is blamed on Iran-backed militias in IraqCenter6
The Oil Market’s Escape Route Around Hormuz Is Now Under Attack
Saudi pipeline shut after drone attacks
Oil prices jump following attack on key Saudi pipeline last week - UPI.com
Iraq confirms attacks on Saudi pipeline originated from Iraqi territory and other Mideast news
Oil prices rise after Saudi Arabia shut down critical pipeline that bypasses Strait of Hormuz
