Saudi Pipeline Hit by Iraq-Launched Drones as Houthis Seize Red Sea Strait

Saudi Arabia shut down its East-West pipeline, a critical route bypassing the Iran-closed Strait of Hormuz, after drones launched from Iraqi territory struck the line near Medina, causing injuries and fire damage. On the same day, Iran-backed Houthi forces captured the island of Perim, consolidating control over the Bab al-Mandab strait, a vital global shipping chokepoint, while oil prices passed $100 a barrel. The convergence of Iranian-aligned strikes on Gulf energy infrastructure and Houthi control of a key maritime passage marks a material widening of the regional war beyond its original front, increasing pressure toward broader confrontation involving multiple states.