Iraqi authorities have admitted that drones attacking Saudi Arabia's oil pipeline were launched from their territory. Iraq has closed three border crossings connected to Iran to investigate those responsible.
On Saturday, 12 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Iraqi officials acknowledged that drones attacking Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline last Thursday were launched from Iraqi land. In response, Iraq closed three border crossings adjoining Iran during the ongoing investigation.
According to Al Jazeera, citing sources from Iraqi intelligence and security agencies, the border closures followed the discovery of drone launch sites within Iraq.
Al Jazeera reporter Jack Hewson reported that the three closed crossings are Shalamcheh in Basra province, al-Shib in Maysan province, and Mandali in Diyala province. The main reason for closure was to prevent the attackers from escaping into Iran.
Hewson added that the al-Tayyib border area in southern Maysan province was also closed after drone launch pads were detected there. Search operations are currently underway.
Meanwhile, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Saidi approved Iran's request to establish a joint investigative team concerning the drone launch sites near the border, according to a statement on Saturday by Sabah al-Numan, spokesperson for Iraq's Supreme Military Commander.
However, the statement did not specify where the drones were found or how many there were. Earlier, Iraq's Prime Minister stated that the attack originated from Maysan province and immediately dismissed the provincial military commander.
No group has claimed responsibility for the drone attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil pipeline. Previously, Saudi Arabia accused various armed groups in Iraq, linked to Iran, of repeatedly targeting its oil infrastructure.
U.S. President Donald Trump, currently on an unofficial visit to Ireland, said Iran was "likely" behind the pipeline attack. However, Trump did not present any evidence to support his claim.
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Source:aljazeera