Following the attack on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz and the temporary closure of a key oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia, fears over energy supply have intensified. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on Sunday, September 13, that it received information about a projectile hitting a vessel in the strait. The extent of the damage and the condition of the crew are currently unknown. Ongoing attacks amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East could lead to further increases in energy prices. Last week, the price of Brent crude oil again surpassed $100 per barrel. The incident occurred a day after Saudi Arabia announced the temporary closure of its East-West pipeline as a precautionary measure. This was in response to a drone attack that, according to Baghdad and Riyadh, originated from Iraq, where Iran-backed armed groups operate. ## ## Saudi Arabia Requests Military Assistance The 1,200 km pipeline has been the main route for oil supplies from the Middle East to the global market over the past six months, as the Strait of Hormuz has remained largely closed due to the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran. It transported 4-5 million barrels per day, accounting for 4-5 percent of global supply. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Iran is likely responsible for the attack on the pipeline. The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, called Trump on September 10 and requested military assistance in combating Houthi rebels, three sources familiar with the situation told Reuters. Washington has so far refrained from direct intervention but has agreed to provide intelligence. Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have recently expanded their attacks and captured the strategically important island of Perim in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait on September 11. ## ## U.S. Stops About 100 Commercial Vessels As part of the maritime blockade of Iranian ports, the U.S. has stopped about 100 commercial vessels over the past two months. "No vessel has passed through the blockade without the permission of U.S. armed forces," the regional command Centcom stated on September 12, adding that American forces "continue to remain fully focused on this mission."
