Fujairah pipeline UAE to Oman
Satellite images show smoke in the vicinity of Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline, which the country has been using to reroute oil exports as shipments through key waterways have been targeted by Iran and Yemen's Houthi rebels.

Satellite images show smoke near Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline, which the kingdom has been using to reroute oil exports as shipments through key waterways come under attack from Iran and Yemen's Houthi rebels.

The images have been verified by Reuters but not confirmed by Saudi Arabia, which has faced repeated attacks by the Iran-backed group.

If oil flows through the pipeline are halted, Riyadh would face another major threat to its exports. Iran is preventing most ships from transiting the Strait of Hormuz, while the Houthis have declared an embargo on Saudi oil shipped through the Red Sea, targeting vessels in the waterway and striking energy infrastructure.

The Houthis have also reached Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a breakthrough that could help the group tighten its grip on the vital shipping lane.

Forces loyal to Yemen's internationally recognised government withdrew from the island and from the coastal town of Dhubab, which faces Perim from the mainland. Hours earlier, the Houthis captured the port city of Mokha, posing a further threat to maritime traffic.

Reuters reported on Thursday that Pakistan had conveyed a warning from Saudi Arabia to Iran, with Riyadh urging Tehran to rein in the group and prevent the crisis from escalating further.

Saudi Arabia backs the government, which has been launching strikes against the Houthis. The group recently responded by imposing an embargo on Saudi oil transported through the Red Sea.

Earlier this week, the Houthis launched a large-scale attack on Saudi Arabia, targeting four cities and oil facilities south of Riyadh. Saudi authorities confirmed the attack, saying more than 70 people, including women and children, were wounded. Saudi forces then retaliated with airstrikes east of Yemen's capital, Sanaa, which is controlled by the Houthis.

An Axios report said on Friday that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called US President Donald Trump twice on Thursday, urging him to launch strikes against the Houthis as they advanced.

Trump declined, however. Officials told the outlet that the United States has no plans to directly target the Houthis for now. Washington is increasing support for Saudi Arabia while avoiding direct involvement.

CNN reported that more than 100 US military advisers are currently in Saudi Arabia, providing intelligence and targeting support to the kingdom.

Originally published on IBTimes