US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Iran was probably responsible for an aerial attack that forced Saudi Arabia to shut down its East-West oil pipeline, a crucial export route that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz.
“I think they are, probably they are,” Trump told reporters in Dublin when asked whether Tehran was behind the attack.
Trump said he had discussed the situation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whom he described as a close friend.
The East-West pipeline carries crude from Saudi Arabia’s eastern oilfields to the Red Sea coast, allowing the kingdom to export oil without relying on the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump also said Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis had contacted his administration and signalled that they wanted to avoid direct US involvement in the widening conflict.
According to Trump, the Houthis said they were allowing most vessels to pass through waters under their reach but remained hostile toward one country, which he did not identify.
“We’ll get that straightened out,” Trump said.
The president provided no evidence linking Iran to the pipeline attack, and Tehran has not publicly responded to his allegation.
