Iran denies involvement in attacks on Saudi oil pipeline

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has dismissed allegations that Tehran was behind recent attacks on Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline, denying the Islamic republic’s involvement in strikes that damaged the key energy route.

The denial followed a drone attack against the pipeline which Saudi Arabia said came from Iraqi territory and caused damage and injuries in the regions of Riyadh and Medina. The kingdom temporarily closed the pipeline as a precaution while specialised teams assessed the damage.

The denial comes amid increased regional tensions and rivalries over responsibility for attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure. Iran-backed Iraqi militia groups have also denied responsibility for the pipeline attack.

Iraq launched an investigation, after determining the attack originated from its territory and dismissed the commander of the Maysan operations command that oversees security in the area. Baghdad also condemned the use of Iraqi territory for attacks on other countries.

The incident has renewed concerns about world oil supplies as the East-West pipeline gives Saudi Arabia an outlet to export crude through the Red Sea without having to transit the Strait of Hormuz. The pipeline usually carries some 4 million barrels of oil a day.