Saudi Arabia has temporarily shut its crucial East-West oil pipeline as a precaution after multiple attacks targeted the facility, the kingdom's Energy Ministry said on Friday.&nbsp;The pipeline was targeted in the Riyadh and Madinah regions on Thursday morning. Several people were injured in the attacks, according to the ministry.&nbsp;Emergency teams were sent to secure the pipeline and assess its condition. The Energy Ministry said further updates would be announced as the situation develops.&nbsp;The East-West pipeline, which has a capacity of 7 million barrels per day, carries crude from Saudi Arabia's eastern oil fields to export terminals on the Red Sea. It provides the kingdom with an alternative route that reduces its dependence on the Strait of Hormuz for oil exports.&nbsp;<h2>Iraq-linked drones target Saudi oil infrastructure</h2>Saudi Arabia later said drones launched from Iraq had targeted the East-West pipeline.&nbsp;Riyadh said it would not retaliate for now following a request from the Iraqi prime minister. However, Saudi Arabia reserved the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security and critical infrastructure, according to a statement from the Saudi Foreign Ministry.&nbsp;The latest attacks came after Houthi militants in Yemen launched strikes on Saudi Arabia earlier this week. The attacks targeted energy facilities and other assets and injured more than 70 people.&nbsp;The Houthis declared a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia in July and have sought to disrupt the kingdom's oil exports through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which links the southern Red Sea with global markets.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/brics-summit-modi-guterres-discuss-west-asia-ukraine-and-un-reforms-1789149159261">BRICS Summit: Modi-Guterres discuss West Asia, Ukraine and UN reforms</a><h2>Oil prices remain above $100 amid Middle East tensions</h2>The attacks have added to concerns over global oil supplies as the conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt key energy routes.&nbsp;Oil prices climbed above $100 a barrel earlier this week for the first time in months as fighting intensified across the region. Reports of the pipeline attack also added to market concerns, with crude prices ending the week more than 8 per cent higher.&nbsp;Prices fell on Friday, however. Brent North Sea crude declined 2.8 per cent to $104.61 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate dropped 2.4 per cent to $100.05 a barrel.&nbsp;The latest disruption to Saudi oil infrastructure comes as the Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the wider conflict, raising fresh concerns over the security of global energy supplies.

Saudi Arabia has shut its key East-West crude pipeline after drone attacks, raising fresh concerns over global oil supplies as the US-Iran conflict continues to threaten critical energy routes.

Saudi Arabia has temporarily shut its crucial East-West oil pipeline as a precaution after multiple attacks targeted the facility, the kingdom's Energy Ministry said on Friday. The pipeline was targeted in the Riyadh and Madinah regions on Thursday morning. Several people were injured in the attacks, according to the ministry. Emergency teams were sent to secure the pipeline and assess its condition. The Energy Ministry said further updates would be announced as the situation develops. The East-West pipeline, which has a capacity of 7 million barrels per day, carries crude from Saudi Arabia's eastern oil fields to export terminals on the Red Sea. It provides the kingdom with an alternative route that reduces its dependence on the Strait of Hormuz for oil exports. Iraq-linked drones target Saudi oil infrastructure Saudi Arabia later said drones launched from Iraq had targeted the East-West pipeline. Riyadh said it would not retaliate for now following a request from the Iraqi prime minister. However, Saudi Arabia reserved the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security and critical infrastructure, according to a statement from the Saudi Foreign Ministry. The latest attacks came after Houthi militants in Yemen launched strikes on Saudi Arabia earlier this week. The attacks targeted energy facilities and other assets and injured more than 70 people. The Houthis declared a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia in July and have sought to disrupt the kingdom's oil exports through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which links the southern Red Sea with global markets. Also Read: BRICS Summit: Modi-Guterres discuss West Asia, Ukraine and UN reforms Oil prices remain above $100 amid Middle East tensions The attacks have added to concerns over global oil supplies as the conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt key energy routes. Oil prices climbed above $100 a barrel earlier this week for the first time in months as fighting intensified across the region. Reports of the pipeline attack also added to market concerns, with crude prices ending the week more than 8 per cent higher. Prices fell on Friday, however. Brent North Sea crude declined 2.8 per cent to $104.61 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate dropped 2.4 per cent to $100.05 a barrel. The latest disruption to Saudi oil infrastructure comes as the Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the wider conflict, raising fresh concerns over the security of global energy supplies.

Saudi Arabia has shut its key East-West crude pipeline after drone attacks, raising fresh concerns over global oil supplies as the US-Iran conflict continues to threaten critical energy routes.

Saudi Arabia shuts East-West oil pipeline, key Hormuz bypass, after attacks

Iran and Oman’s foreign ministers on Tuesday (August 25) said they discussed plans for a temporary shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and a joint project to clear mines from the waterway.&nbsp;The two countries have been working to regulate traffic through the Strait of Hormuz under the US-Iran memorandum of understanding. The waterway became a major flashpoint during the Middle East war.&nbsp;Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi "discussed a phased framework that could provide a practical and implementable basis for moving forward" during talks in Tehran, Oman said in a joint statement.&nbsp;The proposed framework "includes the establishment of a joint temporary navigational corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and an agreement to implement a joint project to clear the Strait of mines," the statement said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-hits-back-at-trump-with-tariffs-of-up-to-50-percent-on-us-goods-as-trade-war-escalates-1787672086990">Canada hits back at Trump with tariffs of up to 50% on US goods as trade war escalates</a><h3>Talks planned for permanent corridor</h3>The two sides will continue technical talks on a "permanent navigational corridor and future administration of the Strait". They will also discuss information sharing, traffic management, and navigation and security services.&nbsp;Iran and Oman also said states bordering the Gulf should take part in joint discussions on the waterway.&nbsp;The announcement came as US President Donald Trump repeated his claim on Truth Social that "all mines have been removed and/or detonated from within the International Waters of the Strait of Hormuz," according to the US Navy.&nbsp;"Iran has been notified that any ship or boat placing new mines will be immediately and systematically destroyed... There is a Zero Tolerance policy on mine placement in full force and effect," he added.<h3>Strait remains largely blocked</h3>The war began after the United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. Tehran then quickly blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington imposed a naval counter-blockade on Iranian ports.&nbsp;Shipping through the strait remains largely paralysed. The disruption has affected global oil markets because the waterway normally carries around one fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports.&nbsp;Iran and Oman, which both border the strait, have discussed the future of navigation through the waterway for several weeks. Tehran has said the geographical coordinates of a route proposed by the two countries "have been agreed upon".&nbsp;However, Iranian officials have said the strait will not fully reopen until the United States meets Tehran’s demands. These include lifting the naval blockade, ending oil sanctions and unfreezing Iranian assets held abroad.

Iran and Oman discussed a phased framework for a temporary navigational corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and a joint mine-clearing project, with talks also continuing on a permanent shipping route.

Iran and Oman’s foreign ministers on Tuesday (August 25) said they discussed plans for a temporary shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and a joint project to clear mines from the waterway. The two countries have been working to regulate traffic through the Strait of Hormuz under the US-Iran memorandum of understanding. The waterway became a major flashpoint during the Middle East war. Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi "discussed a phased framework that could provide a practical and implementable basis for moving forward" during talks in Tehran, Oman said in a joint statement. The proposed framework "includes the establishment of a joint temporary navigational corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and an agreement to implement a joint project to clear the Strait of mines," the statement said. Also Read: Canada hits back at Trump with tariffs of up to 50% on US goods as trade war escalates Talks planned for permanent corridor The two sides will continue technical talks on a "permanent navigational corridor and future administration of the Strait". They will also discuss information sharing, traffic management, and navigation and security services. Iran and Oman also said states bordering the Gulf should take part in joint discussions on the waterway. The announcement came as US President Donald Trump repeated his claim on Truth Social that "all mines have been removed and/or detonated from within the International Waters of the Strait of Hormuz," according to the US Navy. "Iran has been notified that any ship or boat placing new mines will be immediately and systematically destroyed... There is a Zero Tolerance policy on mine placement in full force and effect," he added. Strait remains largely blocked The war began after the United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. Tehran then quickly blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington imposed a naval counter-blockade on Iranian ports. Shipping through the strait remains largely paralysed. The disruption has affected global oil markets because the waterway normally carries around one fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Iran and Oman, which both border the strait, have discussed the future of navigation through the waterway for several weeks. Tehran has said the geographical coordinates of a route proposed by the two countries "have been agreed upon". However, Iranian officials have said the strait will not fully reopen until the United States meets Tehran’s demands. These include lifting the naval blockade, ending oil sanctions and unfreezing Iranian assets held abroad.

Iran and Oman discussed a phased framework for a temporary navigational corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and a joint mine-clearing project, with talks also continuing on a permanent shipping route.

Iran, Oman plan temporary Hormuz corridor, Trump claims all mines have been cleared

Iran is considering allowing European nations to remove mines from the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports. This is big deviation from Tehran's earlier stand that could lead to the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and allow normal shipping in the waterway. It also opens up great prospects for peace negotiations with the US.&nbsp;In recent weeks Tehran has shown signs of easing its stand, said diplomats familiar with the matter to Bloomberg on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;Iran’s foreign ministry hasn't yet responded on the matter to the media house.&nbsp;<h2>Rubio, Bessent hint at reaching deal to reopen Hormuz</h2>&nbsp;This comes amid US secretary of state Marco Rubio ⁠saying on Tuesday ​that Iran ⁠and Oman have made progress ​on ‌getting ‌more ships through ‌the strait of Hormuz but no final agreement has been ‌reached.&nbsp;“There’s been progress made ​in those talks, but not finality yet. ⁠We’re hoping that ​will happen ​very ​shortly,” said Rubio to reporters ‌at ​the ​State Department.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-army-long-range-missile-stockpiles-iran-war-report-1785854932249">US Army exhausts 'virtually all' long-range missile stockpiles during Iran war</a>&nbsp;"There's a conversation and a negotiation that we are involved in between Oman and Iran on how more ships can be able to go through there safely in the short term," Rubio added.&nbsp;Earlier today, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also spoke about the possibility of US announce a deal with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz “today or tomorrow".&nbsp;Speaking to CBS Bessent said, "There is a chance we may have a deal today or tomorrow to open the strait and move towards a more normalized position in this conflict."&nbsp;These remarks by Rubio and Bessent has shown a positive impact on the oil prices as they have dropped. The main US oil contract, West Texas Intermediate, dropped five percent to $76.32 a barrel, while the cost of a barrel of brent crude, the global benchmark for oil prices, slid back below $80 a barrel.

This comes amid US secretary of state Marco Rubio ⁠saying on Tuesday ​that Iran ⁠and Oman have made progress ​on ‌getting ‌more ships through ‌the strait of Hormuz.

Iran is considering allowing European nations to remove mines from the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports. This is big deviation from Tehran's earlier stand that could lead to the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and allow normal shipping in the waterway. It also opens up great prospects for peace negotiations with the US. In recent weeks Tehran has shown signs of easing its stand, said diplomats familiar with the matter to Bloomberg on condition of anonymity. Iran’s foreign ministry hasn't yet responded on the matter to the media house. Rubio, Bessent hint at reaching deal to reopen Hormuz This comes amid US secretary of state Marco Rubio ⁠saying on Tuesday that Iran ⁠and Oman have made progress on ‌getting ‌more ships through ‌the strait of Hormuz but no final agreement has been ‌reached. “There’s been progress made in those talks, but not finality yet. ⁠We’re hoping that will happen very shortly,” said Rubio to reporters ‌at the State Department. ALSO READ: US Army exhausts 'virtually all' long-range missile stockpiles during Iran war "There's a conversation and a negotiation that we are involved in between Oman and Iran on how more ships can be able to go through there safely in the short term," Rubio added. Earlier today, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also spoke about the possibility of US announce a deal with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz “today or tomorrow". Speaking to CBS Bessent said, "There is a chance we may have a deal today or tomorrow to open the strait and move towards a more normalized position in this conflict." These remarks by Rubio and Bessent has shown a positive impact on the oil prices as they have dropped. The main US oil contract, West Texas Intermediate, dropped five percent to $76.32 a barrel, while the cost of a barrel of brent crude, the global benchmark for oil prices, slid back below $80 a barrel.

This comes amid US secretary of state Marco Rubio ⁠saying on Tuesday ​that Iran ⁠and Oman have made progress ​on ‌getting ‌more ships through ‌the strait of Hormuz.

Iran contemplates allowing Europe to clear mines in Strait of Hormuz for normal shipping: Report

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Saudi Arabia shuts East-West oil pipeline, key Hormuz bypass, after attacks

Iran, Oman plan temporary Hormuz corridor, Trump claims US cleared all mines

Iran contemplates allowing Europe to clear mines in Strait of Hormuz: Report