Iraq’s government is urgently working to control the aftermath of an attack on a vital Saudi pipeline by local Iran-backed militias. Despite a denial of involvement by an umbrella group of Iran-backed militias in Iraq, the government of Iraq confirmed that the attacks originated from its territory. The government has promised to investigate the incident and has removed a military commander from his position.
There is increasing pressure on Iraq to prevent local militias from supporting other Iran proxy groups in the region. The Iraqi government has set a deadline of September 30 for non-state groups to disarm, but some of the most powerful militias have stated that they will not comply.
The situation is particularly critical as Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been advancing along Yemen’s west coast, posing a significant challenge to the Saudi-backed coalition. The Houthis recently seized an island in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a crucial shipping lane through which approximately 12% of global trade flows.
The control of the strait by the Houthis could lead to a surge in global oil prices, already affected by the ongoing Iran-U.S. tensions. The strait has become essential for Saudi oil shipments since disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to the Iran war.
U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters in Dublin on Saturday, suggested that Iran was likely responsible for the pipeline attack. However, he also indicated that discussions had taken place with the Houthis, noting their preference to avoid conflict and allow ships to pass through.
A group of Iran-backed militias in Iraq released a statement denying their involvement in the pipeline attacks while expressing support for the Houthis in their conflict against Saudi forces. They have pledged to cooperate with Iraq’s investigation into the incident.
Saudi Arabia took the precautionary measure of shutting down the major cross-country oil pipeline after it was targeted by drone attacks. The kingdom attributed the attacks to drones originating from Iraq but refrained from immediate retaliation to allow the Iraqi government time to respond.
Several Arab nations, including Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Egypt, condemned the attack. The East-West pipeline, constructed in the 1980s, plays a crucial role in Saudi Arabia’s oil export capabilities following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
In response to the situation, Iraq closed two key border crossings with Iran as part of an investigation into past violations at the borders. The closed crossings, Shalamcheh and Chazabeh, are significant entry points between Iran and Iraq. The move follows previous airstrikes by Saudi Arabia and the U.S. on Iranian-backed militias in Iraq.
The escalating conflict poses a threat to the fragile truce that had largely halted Yemen’s civil war since 2022. The conflict has already taken a heavy toll on Yemen’s population, with millions at risk of famine. The recent surge in fighting has forced tens of thousands of people to flee the region.
The ongoing clashes between the Houthis and Yemen’s government, supported by Saudi Arabia, have been ongoing since 2014. The conflict has led to significant instability in Yemen, with devastating humanitarian consequences.
