Trump Points to Iran as Likely Culprit Behind Critical Saudi Oil Pipeline Attack

US President Donald Trump stated that Iran was likely behind the recent drone attack on a vital oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia, which forced its temporary closure. Speaking to reporters during a visit to Dublin, Ireland, President Donald Trump remarked that Iran was 'probably' responsible for the incident.

The East-West Pipeline sustained damage and injuries after being targeted by several drones originating from Iraq on Thursday, according to the Saudi foreign ministry. Following the attack, the energy ministry confirmed the shutdown of the pipeline as a precautionary measure. During his trip, President Donald Trump mentioned he had spoken with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whom he described as a 'good friend.'

A source revealed to CNN that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had urged President Donald Trump to strike the Houthis as the Iran-backed group advanced toward the Red Sea, though President Donald Trump declined the request. The latest closure compounds challenges for Saudi Arabia, following strategic advances by the Iran-backed Houthis along the Red Sea near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

Amid the ongoing US-Iran war, Saudi Arabia has relied heavily on the East-West Pipeline to sustain its oil exports. The kingdom has successfully rerouted approximately 5 million barrels of oil daily to the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea, bypassing the Persian Gulf while Iran effectively closes the Strait of Hormuz. CNN contributors Kylie Atwood, Katie Bo Lillis, Thomas Bordeaux, and Zachary Cohen contributed to this report.