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

Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned overnight Iranian military attacks targeting Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait, warning that the escalating violence threatens to plunge the region into an uncontrollable conflict. In a decisive diplomatic intervention on Thursday (June 11), the Saudi Foreign Ministry called for an immediate ceasefire and urged all involved nations to return to the negotiating table. The Kingdom explicitly backed a joint mediation effort led by Pakistan and Qatar to broker an end to the widening Middle East war.&nbsp;The overnight strikes marked a dangerous expansion of the theatre of war, drawing several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members and neighbouring Jordan directly into the line of fire. In a formal statement, Riyadh expressed deep concern over the violation of sovereign airspace and territory, emphasising the urgent need to protect regional stability.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-among-two-killed-after-projectile-hits-residential-area-in-saudi-arabia-1772994374937">Indian among two killed after projectile hits residential area in Saudi Arabia</a>&nbsp;"The Kingdom calls for maximum de-escalation and restraint," the Saudi Foreign Ministry statement read as quoted by news agency AFP. “We urge all parties to prioritise wisdom by returning to diplomatic efforts and resuming the constructive negotiations sponsored by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, along with the efforts of the State of Qatar.”&nbsp;Saudi Arabia’s endorsement of Islamabad and Doha as central mediators highlights a coordinated Islamic and regional push to halt the hostilities. Both Pakistan and Qatar have maintained open lines of communication with Tehran and various Arab capitals, positioning them as uniquely qualified intermediaries in the highly polarised conflict.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/prince-abdulaziz-bin-salman-hails-enduring-saudi-russia-partnership-1780742510456/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/prince-abdulaziz-bin-salman-hails-enduring-saudi-russia-partnership-1780742510456/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Diplomatic sources indicate that the proposed mediation framework focuses on three immediate priorities:&nbsp;<ul><li>An immediate cessation of hostilities and a freeze on cross-border missile and drone strikes.</li></ul>&nbsp;<ul><li>The establishment of secure diplomatic channels to address the core grievances driving the current escalation.</li></ul>&nbsp;<ul><li>Guarantees for the protection of international shipping lanes and sovereign airspace across West Asia.</li></ul>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-assures-full-solidarity-support-to-saudi-arabia-amid-middle-east-tensions-1773386798604">Pakistan assures 'full solidarity &amp; support' to Saudi Arabia amid Middle East tensions</a>&nbsp;As regional anxieties peak, the international community has closely watched Riyadh's response. By positioning itself firmly behind a diplomatic resolution rather than military retaliation, Saudi Arabia aims to anchor regional security and prevent a total collapse of diplomatic relations in the zone. Whether Iran and its adversaries will heed the call to return to Pakistan and Qatar-led negotiations remains to be seen.

Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned overnight Iranian military attacks targeting Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait. Discover why Riyadh is calling for maximum restraint and explicitly backing a joint mediation framework led by Pakistan and Qatar to halt a widening West Asia conflict. 

Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned overnight Iranian military attacks targeting Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait, warning that the escalating violence threatens to plunge the region into an uncontrollable conflict. In a decisive diplomatic intervention on Thursday (June 11), the Saudi Foreign Ministry called for an immediate ceasefire and urged all involved nations to return to the negotiating table. The Kingdom explicitly backed a joint mediation effort led by Pakistan and Qatar to broker an end to the widening Middle East war. The overnight strikes marked a dangerous expansion of the theatre of war, drawing several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members and neighbouring Jordan directly into the line of fire. In a formal statement, Riyadh expressed deep concern over the violation of sovereign airspace and territory, emphasising the urgent need to protect regional stability. Also read: Indian among two killed after projectile hits residential area in Saudi Arabia "The Kingdom calls for maximum de-escalation and restraint," the Saudi Foreign Ministry statement read as quoted by news agency AFP. “We urge all parties to prioritise wisdom by returning to diplomatic efforts and resuming the constructive negotiations sponsored by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, along with the efforts of the State of Qatar.” Saudi Arabia’s endorsement of Islamabad and Doha as central mediators highlights a coordinated Islamic and regional push to halt the hostilities. Both Pakistan and Qatar have maintained open lines of communication with Tehran and various Arab capitals, positioning them as uniquely qualified intermediaries in the highly polarised conflict. https://www.wionews.com/videos/prince-abdulaziz-bin-salman-hails-enduring-saudi-russia-partnership-1780742510456/embed Diplomatic sources indicate that the proposed mediation framework focuses on three immediate priorities: An immediate cessation of hostilities and a freeze on cross-border missile and drone strikes. The establishment of secure diplomatic channels to address the core grievances driving the current escalation. Guarantees for the protection of international shipping lanes and sovereign airspace across West Asia. Also read: Pakistan assures 'full solidarity & support' to Saudi Arabia amid Middle East tensions As regional anxieties peak, the international community has closely watched Riyadh's response. By positioning itself firmly behind a diplomatic resolution rather than military retaliation, Saudi Arabia aims to anchor regional security and prevent a total collapse of diplomatic relations in the zone. Whether Iran and its adversaries will heed the call to return to Pakistan and Qatar-led negotiations remains to be seen.

Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned overnight Iranian military attacks targeting Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait. Discover why Riyadh is calling for maximum restraint and explicitly backing a joint mediation framework led by Pakistan and Qatar to halt a widening West Asia conflict.&nbsp;

‘Prioritise wisdom’: Saudi Arabia urges return to diplomacy under Pakistan and Qatar mediation

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian arrived Thursday in Riyadh, his first official Saudi trip since a landmark rapprochement in March, state media reported.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian arrived Thursday in Riyadh, his first official Saudi trip since a landmark rapprochement in March, state media reported. A Chinese-brokered deal saw the long-time rivals agreeing to restore diplomatic relations and reopen their respective embassies. Shiite-dominated Iran and Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia severed ties in 2016 after Saudi diplomatic missions in the Islamic republic were attacked during protests over Riyadh's execution of Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr. Amir-Abdollahian "arrived at Riyadh Airport a few minutes ago for a one-day trip, and was welcomed by the deputy foreign minister of Saudi Arabia," official news agency IRNA said. The visit "is focusing on bilateral ties, regional and international issues", according to the IRIB state broadcaster. IRNA said Amir-Abdollahian was due to meet with his Saudi counterpart and other officials in the kingdom. The minister was accompanied by the new Iranian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, the report added. State media reported in May Tehran had named Alireza Enayati, a former ambassador to Kuwait, as the Islamic republic's Saudi envoy. Watch | Iran trying to mend ties with Saudi Arabia? × Mending relations In June, Prince Faisal bin Farhan became the first Saudi foreign minister to travel to Iran since 2006. Earlier that month Iran had reopened its embassy in Riyadh with a flag-raising ceremony. On Wednesday, Iranian state media said military officials from both countries met in Moscow on the sidelines of a security conference. Amir-Abdollahian has said this week that the new ambassador to Riyadh is accompanying him during Thursday's visit to "officially start his mission". On August 9, Iran said the Saudi embassy in Tehran had begun operations but Riyadh has yet to confirm. Iran and Saudi Arabia have backed opposing sides in conflicts across the Middle East for years. Also read | Iran, Saudi Arabia restore ties as China-brokered deal outfoxes West Iran has in recent months been at odds with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait over a disputed gas field. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait claim "sole ownership" to the field - known as Arash in Iran and Dorra in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia - with Tehran warning it would "pursue its right" to the offshore zone if negotiations fail. Iran has intensified its diplomatic activity in recent months and pushed for closer ties with other Arab countries in a bid to reduce its isolation and improve its economy. Since the March deal, Saudi Arabia has restored ties with Iranian ally Syria and ramped up a push for peace in Yemen, where it has for years led a military coalition against the Iran-backed Huthi forces. The Islamic republic has been reeling under crippling US sanctions since Washington's 2018 withdrawal from a landmark nuclear deal under then-president Donald Trump. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Thaw in ties: Iranian foreign minister arrives in Riyadh for first Saudi visit after China-brokered deal

Saudi Arabia forced three Iranian boats to retreat from its waters on Thursday after firing warning shots, a spokesman for Saudi boarder guards said on Saturday.

The spokesman, quoted by Saudi news agency SPA, said the Iranian vessels refused to stop after they entered Saudi waters despite repeated warnings, which forced the Saudi authorities to fire the warning shots.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/how-big-power-rivalry-is-likely-to-unfold-in-the-gulf-region-308187">Also read|&nbsp;How big power rivalry is likely to unfold in the Gulf region</a>

Iranian state media quoted a local official in Bushehr province on the Gulf as saying the Saudi coastguard had opened fire on Iranian fishermen who had strayed into Saudi waters but that initial reports said no one was hurt.

The Iranian report said the fishermen had left on June 21 for a 10-day trip. It did not specify when the engagement with the Saudi coastguard occurred.

It was not immediately clear whether the two reports referred to the same incident.

Saudi Arabia forced three Iranian boats to retreat from its waters on Thursday after firing warning shots, a spokesman for Saudi boarder guards said on Saturday.

Saudi Arabia forced three Iranian boats to retreat from its waters on Thursday after firing warning shots, a spokesman for Saudi boarder guards said on Saturday. The spokesman, quoted by Saudi news agency SPA, said the Iranian vessels refused to stop after they entered Saudi waters despite repeated warnings, which forced the Saudi authorities to fire the warning shots. Also read| How big power rivalry is likely to unfold in the Gulf region Iranian state media quoted a local official in Bushehr province on the Gulf as saying the Saudi coastguard had opened fire on Iranian fishermen who had strayed into Saudi waters but that initial reports said no one was hurt. The Iranian report said the fishermen had left on June 21 for a 10-day trip. It did not specify when the engagement with the Saudi coastguard occurred. It was not immediately clear whether the two reports referred to the same incident.

Saudi Arabia says it forces three Iranian boats out of its waters