Saudi pipeline repair may take weeks | NHK WORLD

Saudi pipeline repair may take weeks

A crucial Saudi oil pipeline has been damaged in a drone attack reportedly launched from neighboring Iraq. Now, Washington is pointing the finger at Iran, while Tehran denies any involvement.

Reuters released satellite images showing damage to Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline following the drone attack on Thursday. Images from last October show several buildings in the pipeline network, while ones taken Sunday indicate extensive damage.

AP on Monday cited officials as saying repairs could take between "three to five weeks." The pipeline carries Saudi crude oil to the Red Sea. It has become a key export route that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz, and has carried about five percent of global oil supplies in recent months.

US President Donald Trump said Saturday that Iran was likely responsible for the attack. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei on Monday denied any involvement. He accused the United States of "fabricating lies" and raising regional tensions.