LIVEAttacks on Saudi energy route deepen regional tensions amid US‑Iran escalationLast updated: September 12, 2026 | 08:38The regional crisis is deepening by the hour. Saudi Arabia has shut down its East-West Pipeline as a precaution after strikes hit the line in the Riyadh and Madinah regions, leaving several people injured. The attack comes as Iran-backed Houthi forces claim to have seized control of Yemen's entire Red Sea coastline, tightening their grip on the strategic Bab el-Mandeb strait and raising fresh concerns over Saudi oil exports and global shipping routes.
Meanwhile, Iran has announced plans to meet Gulf states in Oman on Monday to discuss the Strait of Hormuz, which it has kept blockaded amid the wider conflict. Saudi Civil Defence has also confirmed that an earlier security alert in Sharurah Governorate has been resolved. Follow this live updates as the situation develops.Highlights08:38 AM, 12 September 2026Saudi Arabia condemns pipeline attackThe Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued its strongest condemnation of the attack on the East-West Pipeline in the Riyadh and Madinah regions, which it says was carried out by several drones launched from Iraq, causing injuries and damage that is currently being addressed. The ministry clarified that, at the request of Iraq's prime minister to give the "brotherly" Iraqi government room to prevent further attacks originating from its territory against the Kingdom and neighbouring countries, Saudi Arabia has chosen not to respond at this stage and will instead support Baghdad's efforts. However, the Kingdom affirmed it reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security, facilities, and the safety of its citizens and residents.08:04 AM, 12 September 2026Israel-Lebanon talks in Rome delayed to October: US officialThe next round of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon in Rome have been delayed until October, a US official said Friday.Last month, the United States had said the next round of talks in the Italian capital would take place in early September.While the Rome talks will not go ahead as planned, the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors will meet at the State Department in Washington next week "to discuss ongoing developments and the continued implementation" of a framework deal agreed in June, the official said, on customary condition of anonymity.The so-called Trilateral Framework involves the disarmament of Hezbollah, a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon's south and the deployment of the Lebanese army to the region, starting in test areas known as "pilot zones."The US official Friday said the deal "remains the only viable mechanism to restore Lebanon's sovereignty and Israel's security.07:58 AM, 12 September 2026China to raise gasoline, diesel pricesChina will raise the retail prices of gasoline and diesel from Saturday, based on recent changes in international crude oil prices, the country's top economic planner announced Friday.Under the adjustment, gasoline and diesel prices will increase by 260 yuan (about US$38.38) and 250 yuan per tonne, respectively, according to the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).Based on the current pricing mechanism, the ceiling retail prices of gasoline and diesel should have been raised by 435 yuan and 420 yuan per tonne, respectively, this time, according to the NDRC.Preliminary estimates show that private car owners will spend about 7 yuan less than they otherwise would when filling up their tanks, while truck drivers will spend about 75 yuan less per tank, as the increase was smaller than required by the pricing mechanism.Since China's previous adjustment of refined oil prices on August 28, the conflict between the United States and Iran has escalated again, driving international crude oil prices up sharply, the NDRC said, adding that the increase this time is aimed at cushioning the impact of rising international oil prices on the domestic market.China's three biggest oil companies -- the China National Petroleum Corporation, the China Petrochemical Corporation and the China National Offshore Oil Corporation -- and other refineries, have been directed to maintain production and facilitate transportation to ensure stable supplies.Currently, there exists considerable geopolitical uncertainty and close attention should continue to be paid to how the evolving U.S.-Iran situation affects international oil prices, said the NDRC, according to Xinhua News Agency. 07:38 AM, 12 September 2026Sharurah danger over, Saudi Civil Defence confirmsSaudi Arabia's Civil Defence has announced that the threat in Sharurah Governorate has been resolved, following an earlier warning to residents about a possible risk in the area.In a statement posted on X, the authority called on the public to continue complying with its safety guidance and to avoid gathering at the scene or filming.12:10 AM, 12 September 2026Saudi Arabia shuts East-West Pipeline after attacks in Riyadh, MadinahSaudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy announced on Friday that the East-West Pipeline had been shut down as a precaution after it was targeted in the Riyadh and Madinah regions on Thursday.The Saudi Press Agency (SPA), citing a ministry official, said: “The East-West Pipeline in the Riyadh and Madinah regions was subjected to several attacks on Thursday morning. The pipeline was shut down as a precautionary measure, and the attacks resulted in several injuries. Medical care was provided to those injured.”The official said emergency and specialised technical teams began work immediately after the attacks, taking the necessary measures to secure the pipeline and verify its safety in accordance with approved safety procedures and emergency plans, in coordination with the relevant authorities.Any further developments will be announced in due course, the official added.12:05 AM, 12 September 2026Saudi oil exports via the Bab el-Mandeb Strait12:00 AM, 12 September 2026US‑Israel war on Iran: Recent developmentsGet Updates on Topics You ChooseUp Next
