Trump: Iran Likely Behind Attack on Saudi Oil Pipeline

U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated yesterday (Shabbat) his assessment that the war with Iran will end after the U.S. midterm elections in November: "The war will end soon; oil prices will plunge when it happens," he told reporters during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin.

His remarks came against the backdrop of an attack on Saudi Arabia’s strategic oil pipeline, which serves as an alternative route for oil exports through the Red Sea and bypasses the Strait of Hormuz. Trump added: "We control Hormuz, and Iran is likely responsible for the attack. The Houthis do not want to fight us. The crown prince is a good friend of mine. Everything will be resolved well."

Saudi Arabia said drones launched from Iraq struck several points along the 1,200-kilometer pipeline. Following the attack, the ability to transport oil through it was temporarily shut down, and several casualties were reported. According to Reuters, based on vessel-tracking data and analysts, the pipeline carries between 4% and 5% of the global oil supply.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry announced that the kingdom had decided, at this stage, not to respond to the attack following a request from Iraq’s prime minister, and that it would support Baghdad’s efforts to prevent attacks against neighboring countries from Iraqi territory. Riyadh stressed, however: "Saudi Arabia declares that it reserves the right to take all necessary measures to preserve its sovereignty and security, protect its facilities, and ensure the safety of its citizens and residents."

Meanwhile, the office of Iraq’s prime minister announced that the operations commander in Maysan Province, which borders Iran, was removed from his post after it was confirmed that the drone attack originated in the area.