Lebanon condemns the attack on the East-West pipeline in Saudi Arabia

14:03

Beirut has strongly condemned the attack carried out against the Saudi East-West pipeline, targeted on Friday in the regions of Riyadh and Medina. The Lebanese government expressed its solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed its commitment to the sovereignty of states against the actions of armed groups.

Lebanon reacted vigorously to the attack on one of the main routes for transporting Saudi oil. In a statement released on Saturday, the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned "in the strongest terms" the targeting of the East-West pipeline, a strategic infrastructure located in the regions of Riyadh and Medina.

Beirut expressed its solidarity with Saudi Arabia, its leaders, and its people, while wishing for a swift recovery for those injured in the attack.

Beirut denounces the targeting of civilian infrastructure

In its statement, Lebanese diplomacy stated that attacks on essential infrastructure constitute a serious violation of the principles of international law.

The ministry emphasized that civilian and vital facilities should not be targeted, recalling the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter as well as the rules of international humanitarian law.

This stance comes as the East-West pipeline plays a strategic role in the export of Saudi oil, particularly in a regional context marked by tensions and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.

Drones launched from Iraqi territory

According to information provided by Iraqi authorities, the attack was carried out from the territory of Iraq.

Iran-backed Iraqi armed groups, already accused in the past by Riyadh of targeting Saudi energy infrastructure, have denied any involvement.

Iraqi authorities also established that the drones used in the attack were launched from the province of Missan, in the south of the country. Following these findings, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali el-Zaidi dismissed the military commander of this province.

This incident adds a new dimension to regional tensions, as several non-state armed actors are active in various countries in the Middle East.

A message on state sovereignty

The Lebanese reaction also carries particular political significance. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Joe Raggi, stressed the need to combat military activities conducted by non-state actors.

While not directly naming Hezbollah in its statement, Lebanese diplomacy drew a parallel with the situation in Lebanon, as well as with that of Iraq and Yemen. It defended the principle that states must be able to exercise full authority over their entire territory.

This position comes amid a reorganization of the political balance of power in Lebanon and a debate on the disarmament of Hezbollah.

Riyadh temporarily suspends the pipeline

Following the attack, Saudi authorities announced the temporary closure of the East-West pipeline.

This infrastructure is particularly important for the kingdom. It allows crude oil to be transported to the Red Sea coast and provides Saudi Arabia with an export route that reduces its dependence on passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

With a reported capacity of 7 million barrels per day, the pipeline has become even more strategic since the beginning of the regional war at the end of February.

A rapprochement between Beirut and Riyadh

The Lebanese condemnation comes as relations between Beirut and Riyadh have been improving since 2025.

The election of Joseph Aoun as Lebanese president, followed by the formation of the government led by Salam, as well as the political and military weakening of Hezbollah, have contributed to fostering a new dynamic in relations between Lebanon and Gulf Arab countries.

In this context, the condemnation of the attack against Saudi Arabia appears as a new signal of Lebanon's willingness to strengthen its relations with Riyadh and reaffirm the principle of state sovereignty in a region still facing significant tensions.