Iraq’s government is working swiftly to address the aftermath of an incident where local Iran-backed militias allegedly attacked and closed a crucial Saudi pipeline. While an alliance of Iran-backed militias in Iraq has denied any involvement, the Iraqi government has confirmed that the attacks originated within its borders. As a response, the government has committed to conducting an investigation and has removed a military commander from their position.
The pressure is mounting on Iraq to prevent local militias from supporting other Iran proxy groups in the region. The Iraqi government has set a deadline of September 30 for non-state groups to disarm, but some of the most influential militias have refused to comply.
The urgency to disarm these militias has heightened due to the advancing Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen’s western coast, posing a significant setback to the Saudi-backed coalition and escalating tensions in the region. The recent capture of an island in the Bab al-Mandab Strait by the Houthis, a strategic shipping lane for global trade, has further exacerbated concerns.
The potential control of the strait by the Houthis could lead to a spike in global oil prices, especially with ongoing tensions from the Iran-U.S. conflict. The strait has become crucial for Saudi oil shipments following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to the Iran war.
During a press briefing in Dublin on Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that Iran was likely responsible for the pipeline attack but aimed to reassure the public. Trump mentioned ongoing discussions with the Houthis, emphasizing their preference for reducing conflict and allowing ships to pass through peacefully.
In response to the attacks on the Saudi pipeline, a group of Iran-backed militias in Iraq denied involvement and instead praised the Houthis for their actions against Saudi forces. The group expressed willingness to cooperate with Iraq’s investigation into the matter.
Saudi Arabia took precautionary measures by shutting down the major oil pipeline following a drone attack believed to have originated from Iraq. Arab nations, including Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Egypt, condemned the attack. The East-West pipeline, established in the 1980s, has played a critical role in Saudi Arabia’s oil exports, especially after disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
In connection with the investigation, Iraq closed two key border crossings with Iran to address past violations. These crossings, Shalamcheh and Chazabeh, are significant entry points between the two countries. The closure has suspended passenger and commercial traffic until further notice, as tensions between Iran-backed militias and regional powers continue.
The escalating conflict poses a threat to the fragile truce that had paused Yemen’s civil war since 2022, impacting millions in the impoverished nation. The recent surge in violence has forced over 46,000 individuals to flee, according to the UN migration agency. The conflict between the Houthis and Yemen’s government, supported by Saudi Arabia, has been ongoing since 2014, adding to the humanitarian crisis in the region.