Iraq temporarily closed three border crossings with Iran after discovering drone launch platforms linked to attacks on Saudi Arabia's East–West oil pipeline and approved a joint investigation with Iran. Baghdad said the assault originated in Maysan province and dismissed the local military commander amid the probe. Saudi Arabia suspended the pipeline as a precaution, raising concerns about Gulf oil exports and potential price increases. No group has claimed responsibility; an Iran-backed umbrella group denied taking credit, while US President Donald Trump attributed the strikes to Tehran without presenting evidence.
Iraq Investigates Drone Strikes On Saudi East–West Pipeline, Closes Three Border Crossings With Iran
A handout satellite image from Copernicus Sentinel Data taken on September 10, 2016, shows black smoke billowing over the desert southeast of Medina along the general route of Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline [Petroline via AFP]
Iraq has temporarily closed three border crossings with Iran and launched searches after authorities discovered drone launch sites inside Iraqi territory linked to attacks on Saudi Arabia's East–West oil pipeline, officials and media reported.
What Happened
Border Closures: Iraqi authorities ordered temporary closures of the Shalamcheh crossing in Basra, al-Shib in Maysan, and Mandali in Diyala to prevent suspects from fleeing into Iran and to secure the areas while investigations continue.
Launch Sites Discovered: Officials said drone launch platforms were located in the al-Tayyib area of southeastern Maysan province. Security forces carried out search operations after the discovery.
Investigations and Political Moves
Iraq's prime minister approved a request from Iran for a joint investigation into the discovery of launch platforms near the border, according to a statement by Sabah al-Numan, spokesman for the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi armed forces. The statement did not specify exact locations or the number of platforms found.
Earlier, Baghdad said the attack was launched from Maysan province, and the prime minister dismissed the province's military commander amid the probe, according to official sources.
Regional Impact
Pipeline Suspension: Saudi authorities announced a temporary suspension of the East–West pipeline as a "precautionary measure" after the Thursday attack. The pipeline had been a key alternative route to the Strait of Hormuz for exporting oil.
Claims and Blame: No group has claimed responsibility. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI), an umbrella group of Iran-backed fighters, released a statement calling the operation an "honour that we do not claim." Separately, US President Donald Trump, visiting Ireland at the time, said Tehran was "probably" behind the strikes, though he offered no evidence to support the allegation.
Broader Context: Analysts warned that reduced exports from the Gulf could push wholesale oil prices higher and strengthen Iran's leverage amid escalating regional tensions. The attacks coincided with a rapid offensive by Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen, which have taken control of the country's Red Sea coastline and have declared restrictions on Saudi-linked shipping.
What Comes Next
Iraqi and Iranian investigators are expected to cooperate on a joint probe while Iraqi security forces continue searches in border areas. The situation remains fluid, and officials have not disclosed conclusive evidence publicly linking any actor to the strikes.
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