Iraq's government confirmed Saturday that attacks on a key Saudi oil pipeline were launched from Iraqi territory and pledged to investigate the incident further. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered an investigation into the operations command in Maysan province and dismissed its commander following the determination that the attacks originated from the province.
Saudi Arabia had shut down the cross-country East-West pipeline on Friday as a precautionary measure. The Saudi Foreign Ministry stated that the kingdom would not retaliate, allowing the Iraqi government an opportunity to address the situation.
The East-West pipeline is crucial for Saudi oil exports, especially since shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz following the Iran war. According to the International Energy Agency, Saudi oil exports through the Red Sea port at the pipeline's terminus have more than doubled since the conflict began.
Tehran-backed Iraqi militias have been conducting attacks on U.S.-linked targets both within and outside of Iraq since late February. These groups have also coordinated with Yemen's Houthi rebels to target Saudi Arabia.
In a related development, Iraq has closed two key border crossings with Iran, halting all passenger and commercial traffic until further notice, according to Iran's state-run media. Valiollah Hayati, the deputy governor of Iran’s southwestern Khuzestan province, announced the closure of the Shalamcheh and Chazabeh crossings, which are among the main official border crossings between the two nations. Traders, drivers, and travelers were urged to avoid the crossings until additional information is released.