Iraq, Iran discuss probe into drone attacks on Saudi oil pipeline

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Saturday discussed an investigation into drone attacks on Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline, according to Iraq’s official news agency.

The two reviewed measures during a call taken in response to the attacks and the formation of a joint committee to investigate, said the Iraqi News Agency.

They also discussed security measures at border crossings and a meeting planned for Monday in Oman involving Iraq, Iran, and the six Gulf Cooperation Council states on issues related to the Strait of Hormuz.

Iraq said earlier Saturday that it had seized a rocket launch platform inside its territory that was used in an attack on the Saudi pipeline and agreed to allow Iran to take part in the investigation.

Baghdad has tightened security after determining that attacks on the pipeline originated from a site in its Maysan province near the border with Iran.

Saudi Arabia said Friday that its East-West pipeline had been hit by drones launched from Iraq, causing injuries and material damage.

Riyadh said that at the Iraqi prime minister’s request it would not respond “at this stage,” giving Baghdad time to prevent further attacks while reserving the right to protect its security and sovereignty.

The East-West pipeline carries crude oil from Saudi Arabia’s eastern oil-producing region to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, allowing exports to bypass the partially blocked Strait of Hormuz.