Trump says Iran was probably behind the Saudi pipeline attack
Source published: Sep 12, 2026 · 6:18 AM EDT · Event: 2026-09-12
Reuters reports that Trump said Iran was probably responsible for an aerial attack that shut Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline. AP subsequently reported that Iraq confirmed the drones were launched from its territory, pledged an investigation and dismissed the Maysan provincial commander and police chief; an umbrella group of Iran-backed Iraqi militias denied involvement. In a separate analysis, three sources told Reuters that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had asked Trump for military help against the Houthis and was told Washington would not intervene directly for now but would provide intelligence support. Trump confirmed speaking with the crown prince and said Houthi representatives had contacted his administration about avoiding direct U.S. involvement.
Response / context
Iraq's confirmation establishes the reported launch territory, not who ordered the attack or whether Iran directed it. AP reports that the accused umbrella group of Iran-backed Iraqi militias denied involvement and said it would cooperate with Iraq's investigation. Trump's attribution to Iran remains recorded as his allegation rather than an established finding. A senior administration official declined to address Reuters's specific questions about the Saudi request but said the United States was focused on freedom of navigation while regional partners lead. Reuters reported that Saudi Arabia, Iran and the Houthis did not respond to requests for comment; an Iranian Foreign Ministry statement called for dialogue without addressing Iran's role.
Dates and scope
Source publication: Sep 12, 2026 · 6:18 AM EDT
Event or conduct: 2026-09-12. Reuters reports that Trump spoke to reporters in Dublin; the exact speaking time was unavailable.
Dated report. Publication, event and review times are different; the review time is when the sources were last checked, not a live update.
This brief preserves the available response and disposition. Coverage is non-exhaustive. How we review sources.
Read the original sources
- Reuters: Trump says Iran probably responsible for attack on Saudi pipeline ↗
Published September 12 at 06:18 ET · direct article text read
- Reuters: Houthi advance in Yemen puts U.S. in a new bind ↗
Published September 12 at 09:15 ET · analysis citing three sources and an administration response
- Associated Press: Attack that closed key Saudi pipeline is blamed on Iran-backed militias in Iraq ↗
Published September 12 · direct article text read · exact publication time unavailable
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