The U.S. government in its latest statements has identified Iran as the "possible perpetrator" of the attack on a major oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia. This attack, which occurred on Thursday by several drones from Iraq, resulted in damage and a temporary shutdown of the pipeline.
Trump's Warnings and Behind-the-Scenes Calls
The Saudi government announced on Friday that the pipeline has been closed as a precautionary measure. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, while on his trip to Ireland, responded to reporters' questions by saying, "I think they are probably them," and noted that he had been in contact with Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, referring to him as a "good friend."
Reports indicate that bin Salman, in two calls with Trump on Thursday, had requested action against the Houthi group, which is advancing toward the Red Sea with Iranian support. However, Trump responded negatively to this request.
Escalating Tensions and New Threats
The attack on the Saudi oil pipeline, following recent advances by the Houthis along the Red Sea coast, is seen as a sign of increasing security threats to Saudi Arabia's oil resources. The country heavily relies on this pipeline to transport its oil to global markets. Especially since the onset of the war between the U.S. and Iran, this pipeline has become one of the vital pillars of Saudi oil exports.
Saudi Arabia sends about 5 million barrels of oil per day through this pipeline to the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea to reduce its dependence on the Strait of Hormuz, which is under severe pressure due to Iranian threats.
These developments once again highlight the serious challenges for Saudi Arabia in securing its energy resources, and it seems that regional tensions are on the rise.
