Dublin, Sept 12 - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Iran was probably responsible for an aerial attack on a major Saudi Arabian oil conduit that knocked the kingdom's East-West pipeline out of service. The pipeline is described as one of Saudi Arabia's main export routes for crude that allows shipments to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.
When asked in Dublin whether Iran was responsible, Trump replied: "I think they are, probably they are." The president said he had discussed the incident with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and referred to the crown prince as a "good friend."
In addition to assigning probable responsibility to Iran, Trump commented on communications his administration had received from Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group. According to the president, the Houthis had reached out to say they did not want the United States to become directly involved in the situation.
Trump said: "They would much prefer not having us involved, and they're letting most ships go through. There's just one country that they're not too happy with, and we'll get that straightened out."
The remarks link three elements that were highlighted in the president's comments: the likely attribution of the aerial attack to Iran, his direct contact with Saudi leadership, and the overture from the Houthi group indicating a preference to avoid direct U.S. engagement. The affected pipeline was noted as a key export artery for crude that circumvents the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the infrastructure's role in oil flows.
This account reflects the statements made publicly by the U.S. president during his appearance in Dublin on the date specified.