Global energy supplies face mounting pressure as Saudi Arabia’s primary East-West oil pipeline remains shut down following multiple drone strikes, coinciding with an Iran-backed Houthi offensive that has seized control of Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast and strategic shipping choke points.
Pipeline Attacks and Saudi Export Bottlenecks
Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline suffered extensive fire damage from multiple drone attacks, forcing an emergency shutdown confirmed by the kingdom’s Ministry of Energy on Friday. Two US officials told CNN that pump stations along the infrastructure were the primary targets. Satellite images verified by Reuters show heavy fire damage and thick black smoke billowing from pumping stations along the route. The pipeline serves as a critical lifeline for Riyadh, which has relied on it to divert roughly five million barrels of daily crude exports to the Red Sea port of Yanbu after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz.
Data from the International Energy Agency shows Saudi crude production plummeted in August by 2.3 million barrels per day down to six million bpd—marking the lowest output level in more than three decades. The drop stems directly from the closure of normal transit corridors and militant attacks. While global oil benchmarks surged past $100 a barrel, average US diesel prices crossed the $6 threshold for the first time, creating immediate economic fallout for Western markets.
Houthi Offensive Secures Red Sea Choke Points
Simultaneously, Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis cemented control over the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait following a lightning offensive that cost more than 500 lives and displaced 46,000 people, according to the UN migration agency. Four Yemeni government sources told Reuters that Houthi fighters reached Perim Island—also known as Mayyun—in the middle of the strait after government forces withdrew. Officials confirmed the group also captured Greater and Lesser Hanish islands, the mainland coastal town of Dhubab, and the port city of Mocha.
Farea Al-Muslimi, a research fellow at the Chatham House think tank, told AFP that the gains give Iran and its allies control over both major Middle Eastern energy transit corridors. Iranian officials praised the advance, with parliamentary national security commission head Ebrahim Azizi lauding the offensive on X. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree announced that maritime navigation through the strait remains safe for all international companies except Saudi vessels, which face an ongoing blockade.
Military Retaliation and Diplomatic Efforts
Yemeni government forces announced plans to deploy weapons and aircraft to launch a counter-offensive along the Red Sea coastline to retake Mocha and surrounding transport routes. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia responded with targeted air strikes hitting Mocha’s airport and seaport facilities, though military reinforcements from Aden have so far failed to halt Houthi territorial gains.
Did You Know?
The Bab al-Mandab Strait is a crucial waterway connecting the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, serving as the primary maritime route for trade moving between Europe and Asia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Saudi East-West pipeline shut down?
According to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy and US officials, the pipeline suffered multiple drone attacks targeting pump stations, prompting an emergency precautionary shutdown.
Who controls the Bab al-Mandab Strait now?
Yemeni government sources and international news agencies confirmed that Iran-aligned Houthi forces seized control of the entire coastline, the port of Mocha, and strategic islands including Mayyun and the Hanish archipelago.
How have oil prices responded to the Middle East escalation?
Global oil benchmarks surged past $100 a barrel, and average US diesel prices exceeded $6 a gallon amid supply restrictions caused by closed shipping lanes and reduced Saudi production.
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