Saudis shut down oil pipeline as Houthis tighten grip on Red Sea shipping
Summary
Saudi Arabia has shut down its East-West oil pipeline after a drone attack, raising fears of further disruption to global energy supplies and pushing oil prices above $100 a barrel. The escalation comes as Houthis tighten their grip on Red Sea shipping routes and tensions widen across the Middle East.
Key Points
- Saudi Arabia temporarily closed its East-West pipeline after an aerial attack that caused injuries and damage near Medina.
- Houthis seized the strategic island of Perim in the Red Sea, intensifying pressure on shipping through Bab el-Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz.
- Global oil prices climbed above $100 per barrel as the attacks added to an already severe energy squeeze.
- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly sought US military help, while Washington said it would limit support to intelligence sharing and targeting.
