Saudi Arabia restarts East-West oil pipeline after drone attacks halted Red Sea exports

Saudi Arabia has restarted operations at its East-West pipeline, which was shut down on September 11 after drone attacks damaged pumping stations and halted crude loadings at the Red Sea port of Yanbu. The pipeline, which can carry seven million barrels per day, is now pumping at a low rate, with full restoration expected to take up to eight weeks. The resumption helped drive down global oil prices, with Brent crude falling toward $97 a barrel. Meanwhile, the United States reported progress in talks with Iran to end the Middle East conflict that has disrupted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz.