Iraqi authorities have implemented temporary closures of three border crossings with Iran, citing security concerns after investigations linked drone strikes on Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline to launch sites within Iraqi territory. The impacted border points are identified as Shalamcheh in Basra, al-Shib in Maysan, and Mandali in Diyala province.
Official sources indicate the closures serve as a precautionary measure to prevent potential perpetrators of the attacks from crossing into Iranian territory. Furthermore, security forces have shuttered the al-Tayyib border area in Maysan province, where drone launch platforms were discovered, and a broad search operation is currently in progress.
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has formally approved a request from Iran to conduct a joint investigation into the discovery of these launch sites. This follows the Prime Minister’s decision to dismiss the regional military commander in Maysan province, where officials believe the attacks originated.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, prompted Saudi Arabia to temporarily suspend operations on the East-West pipeline. While no organization has claimed responsibility for the strike, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group for Iran-aligned militants, explicitly distanced itself from the operation, labeling it an honor they do not claim. Riyadh, however, has long alleged that Iran-backed factions in Iraq frequently target its energy infrastructure.
Amid these developments, United States President Donald Trump, currently on an unofficial visit to Ireland, publicly suggested that Tehran was likely behind the pipeline attack, though he provided no substantiating evidence for the claim.
The suspension of the pipeline creates a severe logistical crisis for Saudi Arabia, as the route served as its primary alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. With the strategic waterway already facing partial closures due to escalating US-Iran tensions, Riyadh currently lacks a viable, large-scale method for oil exports, risking further spikes in global wholesale energy prices.
These attacks coincide with a significant offensive by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement, which has seized control of the country’s entire Red Sea coastline. The Houthis have since issued threats to block Saudi-flagged vessels from the region, heightening tensions as the US-Israeli conflict nears its seven-month milestone. The report also notes that on Friday, Riyadh said the drones were launched from Iraq, where Iran commands significant influence, including over armed groups. The report also notes that trump did not provide any evidence to support those allegations. The report also notes that the statement did not provide further details regarding where the drones were found or how many there were. The report also notes that and the Houthis have since declared that ships belonging to Saudi Arabia will not be allowed to pass through the Red Sea, riyadh is the government’s main supporter.