Riyadh has chosen not to respond to the attacks for now... and allows Baghdad the opportunity to take measures to prevent the attacks

- Iraq Praises Saudi Stance... “We Will Not Serve as a Launchpad for Attacks on Any State”

- Drone Launch Platforms Found Near the Border with Iran

- Commander of Maysan Operations Relieved... Three Border Crossings Closed

Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the targeting of the East-West oil pipeline by multiple drones originating from Iraq, which resulted in human casualties and damages currently being addressed. It affirmed that it “has chosen not to retaliate at this stage, and to support the efforts of the Iraqi government, at the request of Prime Minister Ali al-Allawi, to allow his administration to take measures sufficient to prevent attacks launched from Iraqi territory against the Kingdom and neighboring countries.”

For its part, the Iraqi government relieved the commander of Maysan operations after it was established that the attacks originated from within the province, and closed three border crossings with Iran, where drone launch platforms were discovered near the border.

A senior source in the Saudi Ministry of Energy announced in a statement on Friday that the pipeline had been temporarily halted in the Riyadh and Medina regions as a precaution, following multiple attacks it suffered on Thursday morning, confirming that medical care was being provided to the injured.

The East-West pipeline spans approximately 1,200 kilometers, transporting crude oil from fields in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province to the Red Sea coast in the west.

In Baghdad, the Iraqi government condemned in a statement the attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, reaffirming its rejection of any aggression that undermines the security and stability of the Kingdom or harms the entrenched fraternal relations between the two countries.

It praised the Kingdom’s stance and its responsiveness to the efforts made by Iraq to contain the situation, “which reflects its commitment to the security and stability of Iraq, and to continuing the path of fraternal relations and cooperation, in a manner that serves the interests of the two brotherly peoples.”

For his part, the Prime Minister ordered an urgent investigation into the circumstances of the attacks and the parties behind them, and the taking of legal action against anyone proven to be involved, emphasizing that “the state will not tolerate any activity that endangers Iraq or its relations with sister and friendly countries.”

The government affirmed that it “will continue to work with brothers and friends to prevent the recurrence of such attacks, and to consolidate respect for the law and principles of good neighborliness, in a manner that protects Iraq’s interests and enhances its positive role in its regional environment.”

The statement reiterated Iraq’s confirmation that “its land and airspace will not serve as a launchpad for attacks on any state, and that its policy is based on respecting the sovereignty of states, rejecting aggression against them, and working to ensure that its relations with its regional neighborhood serve as a bridge for cooperation and stability, rather than a arena for tension and conflict.”

Al-Allawi ordered the relief of Maysan Operations Commander Lt. Gen. Jalil al-Sharif from his post, following the establishment that the attacks targeting Saudi Arabia originated from a site within the province. He also directed the formation of an investigative council regarding the operations command.

The crossings that were closed are Al-Shalamjah in Basra province, Al-Shaib in Maysan, and the Mandali crossing in Diyala province.

It was confirmed that “intelligence activities” would be intensified to identify “violations and breaches that occurred at these crossings,” without specifying the border points in question.

Al-Allawi also approved an Iranian request for a joint investigation regarding the discovery of platforms for launching drones near the border strip.

The Prime Minister’s Office added in a statement that the investigation would examine the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the platforms near the border strip, after they were used to launch attacks on the East-West pipeline.

In a related development, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein emphasized during a phone call the importance of maintaining communication, coordination, and consultation between the two countries, in order to support regional security and stability and enhance joint cooperation, according to a statement carried by Iraq’s official WAQAA news agency.

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry stated that both sides underscored the depth of the fraternal relations binding the two countries and exchanged views on recent developments in the region and issues of mutual interest.

Iraqi President Nizar al-Amidi expressed his strong condemnation of the attacks targeting the Kingdom, reaffirming his country’s rejection of the use of its territory or airspace as a launching pad for attacks on neighboring states.

In a statement, he stressed the need to take all legal measures against anyone proven to be involved or responsible, ensuring that such attacks are not repeated.

He noted that his country is committed to its relations with Saudi Arabia and all neighboring states, and to consolidating security and stability while protecting the interests of the region’s peoples, free from any practices that could jeopardize these relations or harm Iraq’s security and stability.

Several countries and organizations strongly condemned the targeting of the East-West oil pipeline in the Riyadh and Medina regions of Saudi Arabia by drones originating from Iraq, and the resulting casualties and material damage. They affirmed their solidarity with the Kingdom and their support for all measures taken to protect its sovereignty, security, and facilities.

He stated that “the attack represents a serious escalation and an unacceptable threat to the Kingdom’s security, territorial integrity, and vital facilities, constituting a blatant violation of the principles of international law,” while emphasizing the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) firm rejection of all acts targeting the Kingdom’s security, stability, and national assets.

He stressed the importance of the Iraqi government making further efforts and taking necessary and firm measures to prevent the use of its territory as a launching pad for such attacks, and to stop and prevent their recurrence, thereby contributing to preserving regional security and stability and sparing the region further escalation.

He underscored the GCC’s full and steadfast support for the Kingdom, and its complete backing of all measures and steps taken to protect its security, stability, territorial integrity, facilities, citizens, and residents.

The UAE Foreign Ministry stated in a declaration that these aggressive attacks constitute a blatant violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and a threat to its security and stability. It renewed the UAE’s full solidarity with the Kingdom and its support for all measures aimed at preserving its security and stability.

Doha praised “the responsible approach adopted by the Kingdom in supporting efforts by the Iraqi government to prevent the use of its territory for attacks on the Kingdom and neighboring states,” expressing Qatar’s full solidarity with the Kingdom and its support for all measures taken to protect its sovereignty, security, and facilities.

The Bahraini Foreign Ministry affirmed Bahrain’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, stating that the latter’s security and stability are an integral part of Bahrain’s own security and stability. It emphasized the Kingdom’s right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security, facilities, citizens, and residents in accordance with international law.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry renewed its solidarity with its Saudi brothers and its support for all measures aimed at protecting the Kingdom’s territory and vital facilities, and safeguarding its security and stability.

It affirmed the necessity of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, and avoiding anything that could threaten the security and stability of the region.

It stressed Cairo’s full solidarity with the Kingdom and its standing by its side in confronting all threats to its security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Jordan announced its “absolute solidarity with the Kingdom, and its full support for it in all steps it takes to protect its sovereignty, security, assets, and the safety of its citizens and residents.”

Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy stressed that the targeting of the pipeline constituted “a blatant violation of the Kingdom’s sovereignty, a serious threat to its security and stability, and a clear breach of the rules of international law and the UN Charter.”