Trump says Iran likely responsible for attack on vital Saudi oil pipeline

US President Donald Trump said Iran was “probably” behind the attack on a vital oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia which led to the pipeline’s closure. The East-West Pipeline was attacked by several drones coming from Iraq on Thursday, the Saudi foreign ministry said Friday, resulting in injuries and some damage. The energy ministry that the pipeline had been attacked and was shut down as a precautionary measure. Trump pointed the finger at Iran as most likely being behind the attack when asked about the incident by a reporter during a visit to Ireland on Saturday. “I think they are, probably they are,” Trump told journalists in Dublin. He added that he had held a call with Saudi Crown ​Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whom he referred to ​as ‌a “good friend.” A source told CNN that the Saudi Crown Prince had spoken twice with Trump on Thursday and urged him to strike the Houthis as the Iran-backed group advances towards the Red Sea, but Trump declined. Responding to a question about the fresh concerns in Saudi Arabia following the closure of the pipeline, and whether he could help move marine traffic through the Strait of Hormuz in light of the developments, Trump said everything will “work out fine.” The development marked more bad news for the Saudi government after the Iran-backed Houthis captured strategic points along the Red Sea, bringing them close to controlling the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a critical energy route. The strike and recent Houthi advances along the Red Sea signal that the kingdom’s oil resources — and its ability to export those resources — are facing increasing threats as the Iran war continues. Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline has become vital for the country to maintain oil exports since the outbreak of the US-Iran war. The kingdom has rerouted about 5 million barrels of oil per day that would have been destined for awaiting oil tankers in the Persian Gulf, as Iran effectively shuttered the Strait of Hormuz. Instead, that oil has traveled through the pipeline to Saudi Arabia’s port of Yanbu on the Red Sea. This is a breaking news story and will be updated with additional information.