Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 12
Iraq Shuts 2 Iran Crossings After Saudi Pipeline Drone Strike, as Trump Blames Tehran
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 12

Iraq Shuts 2 Iran Crossings After Saudi Pipeline Drone Strike, as Trump Blames Tehran

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 12

Summary

  • Iraq closed two border crossings with Iran on Saturday after officials said the drone strike on Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline was launched from Maysan province near the border.
  • Saudi Arabia had already shut the cross-country oil artery as a precaution after drones from Iraqi territory caused damage and injured civilians, according to Saudi and Pakistani statements.
  • Ali al-Zaidi, Iraq’s prime minister, ordered an investigation into Maysan’s operations command and dismissed the province’s commander and police chief as authorities probed border violations.
  • Donald Trump said Iran was “probably” behind the attack, while Bahrain condemned the strike as a threat to energy security and Pakistan said it would keep pushing for regional stability.
  • The attack adds to pressure in the wider U.S.-Iran conflict, with more than 50,000 U.S. troops in the region and Washington offering up to $10 million for information on senior al-Qaeda figures it says are in Iran.

Insights

With the crucial Strait of Hormuz bypass crippled, how will global energy markets survive the mounting dual chokepoint threats?
If the drones originated from Iraq, could a hidden rogue faction be attempting to ignite a broader regional war?
As direct military strikes are declined, what covert intelligence support might be deployed to counter the rising Red Sea blockade?