Iraq launched an aggressive response after drones from its territory struck Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline during a multi-day window in early September 2026. The attack caused injuries and significant material damage, according to Saudi authorities, prompting a temporary shutdown of the pipeline. Riyadh identified Maysan province in southeastern Iraq as the launch area, where Iran-backed militias have long maintained a presence. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi confirmed the investigation and said Iraq would not allow its territory to serve as a staging ground for attacks on neighboring countries. Baghdad seized 15 drone launch platforms, dismissed the Maysan provincial operations commander and closed three border crossings with Iran. The pipeline carries crude from Saudi Arabia’s eastern fields to Red Sea terminals, allowing exports to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, a maritime chokepoint through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil passes daily. The route has capacity equivalent to roughly 4-5% of global oil supply, or several million barrels per day. Oil prices rose sharply on supply concerns, while Saudi Arabia refrained from immediate military retaliation and gave Baghdad time to complete its investigation. Similar accusations involving Saudi oil facilities emerged in late July 2026, suggesting the pipeline strike was part of a broader pattern rather than an isolated event.