Al Jazara
روایت خاورمیانه 
The attack on Saudi oil lines last Thursday, with black smoke rising over the Saudi east-west pipeline, not only drew global attention but also quickly impacted Iraq. These attacks, launched from Iraqi soil, account for a threat to about 4 percent of the global oil supply and have pushed Brent crude prices above $108 per barrel. This event represents a major test for Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, who is on the verge of the final withdrawal of the U.S.-led coalition from Iraq on September 30.
Details of the Attacks and Their Impacts
The mentioned attacks, for which no group has claimed responsibility, have elicited widespread reactions both inside and outside Iraq. Iraqi security forces have confirmed that the drones were launched from within the country, and launch traces have been identified near the Duwairej River in the Maysan province. General Saad Man, head of Iraq's Security Media Cell, announced that a special intelligence group has seized the launch platform. A senior source in Iraq's Ministry of Interior also stated that it is likely a splinter group of the resistance was involved in these attacks, although this has not yet been confirmed.
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Ali al-Zaidi's Response and Challenges Ahead
Ali al-Zaidi quickly reacted by dismissing the commander of Maysan operations and ordering the formation of a committee to investigate the incident. He also closed the shared borders with Iran to prevent the escape of suspects. In a show of force, heavily armed troops appeared on the streets of Maysan. However, many observers believe these actions are merely a display to appease Saudi and American demands, as this attack is not the first to be launched from Iraqi territory.
In July, similar attacks were carried out from Iraq against Saudi oil facilities, reportedly assisted by Houthi fighters based in Iraq. The United States and Saudi Arabia responded to these attacks, killing more than 20 members of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), which included Iranian military advisors. The diplomatic repercussions of these events forced Ali al-Zaidi to cancel his planned trip to Riyadh.
The escalation of violence could affect the improving relations between Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Riyadh severed its ties with Iraq following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990 and resumed communication in the early 2010s. This month, Saudi intelligence chief Khalid al-Humaidan visited Baghdad, and Riyadh has refrained from retaliating against the September 10 attack at al-Zaidi's request.
Ali al-Zaidi is trying to maintain a balance in his relations with his neighbors. Last month, he met with Mohammad Baqir Qalibaf, the Speaker of Iran's Parliament, just weeks after his official visit to Tehran, where he met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
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