Pakistan has vehemently condemned the recent drone attacks targeting the East-West oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh and Madina regions, which caused damage to the infrastructure and injured civilians. The Foreign Office described these assaults as a blatant breach of international law and a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the serious threat they pose to regional peace, security, and stability.

Following the attacks, Saudi Arabia temporarily shut down the 1,200-kilometer pipeline, a critical conduit that allows the kingdom to bypass the congested Strait of Hormuz. This closure comes amid the escalating Middle East conflict, raising concerns about further increases in global energy prices. Both Riyadh and Baghdad attributed the drone strikes to origins within Iraq, prompting Iraq to dismiss a military commander in response.

The Foreign Office reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, security, and prosperity, expressing solidarity with the kingdom’s leadership and people. Pakistan also affirmed its commitment to pursuing lasting peace and stability in the region.

Details about the perpetrators remain unclear. Satellite imagery revealed black smoke rising near the pipeline south of Madina. The Saudi Foreign Ministry confirmed injuries and damage but did not specify the impact on oil exports. Despite the attacks, Saudi Arabia has refrained from retaliating, honoring a request from the Iraqi prime minister, though it reserves the right to take necessary measures to safeguard its interests.

The Iraqi government condemned the attacks and responded by closing the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran, a key route for importing food supplies. Security forces have launched a large-scale operation to identify those responsible for the pipeline assault.

These incidents coincide with increased activity by Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen, who recently seized Perim Island at the Bab al-Mandab strait, further disrupting Red Sea shipping routes. This, combined with the Strait of Hormuz tensions, has intensified the energy supply squeeze on both sides of the Arabian Peninsula, pushing global oil prices above $100 per barrel.

The dual attacks on the pipeline and Perim Island mark a significant escalation amid stalled diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in the region.