Officials from the Gulf region and Iraq recently reported that Iran has sent communications to Saudi Arabia, denying its involvement in an attack on the East-West oil pipeline. The messages point to suspected Shiite factions within Iraq as the likely perpetrators behind the incident that occurred earlier this month.
Details of the Pipeline Attack
The attack, which took place on September 10, targeted the critical East-West oil pipeline spanning 750 miles, essential for transporting Saudi crude to the Red Sea amidst ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. A series of drones launched from Maysan, located in southeastern Iraq, hit areas between Riyadh and Medina, resulting not only in damage but also in casualties. Following the aggression, Saudi Arabia’s Energy Ministry decided to temporarily halt operations on the pipeline as a precautionary measure before resuming activities a few days later.
Iran’s Response and Regional Diplomacy
Although Tehran has not confirmed messages sent to Riyadh, there were indications that a Saudi official reached out to his Iraqi counterpart following the attack, expressing a willingness to respond. However, U.S. mediation played a critical role in delaying any retaliatory action, mitigating immediate tensions. The Saudi Foreign Ministry condemned the drone attacks strongly and chose to refrain from immediate retaliation at the request of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation.
Iraq’s Role in the Investigation
Iraq is currently facing challenges due to the existence of Iran-aligned armed factions operating with relative autonomy. The Iraqi government, led by Prime Minister Zaidi, is working to ensure that such factions do not use Iraq’s territory for launching attacks against other nations. Officials have indicated that investigations are underway, and the government has not ruled out the involvement of groups beyond the commonly known Shiite factions operating within the country.
Reports suggest that the attackers may belong to newly formed groups connected to hardline elements within Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which the U.S. has designated as a terrorist organization since 2019. Intelligence sources have indicated that these small cells operated under the radar, breaking away from more established factions to carry out the attacks.
Ongoing Security Threats
Iraq’s security apparatus has been on high alert for potential foreign influence in local conflicts, as non-Iraqi operatives have reportedly entered the country and directed drone attacks from Iraqi soil. Recent intelligence operations in central Babil province led to the arrest of members associated with a cell preparing to launch drones beyond Iraq’s borders.
In addressing the overarching issue of armed factions, the Iraqi government, under President Zaidi, is working to assume control of weapons held by these groups. While a previous deadline aimed for the disarmament of such factions by the end of September has not been met, discussions have shifted toward a longer timeline for surrendering strategic armaments by June 2027.
In conclusion, the evolving situation highlights the complex interplay of regional dynamics, the impact of armed factions within Iraq, and the ongoing influence of Iran in these developments. As tensions rise, the necessity for diplomatic negotiations and security measures becomes increasingly pressing.