Escalating Houthi and Iran-backed proxy drone and missile strikes have repeatedly targeted Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline, the critical bypass route with 7 million barrels per day capacity that has carried up to 5.8 million bpd amid Hormuz disruptions from the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict. Recent October 2026 attacks damaged pumping stations, forcing temporary shutdowns and highlighting air-defense vulnerabilities, while Houthis have vowed further strikes on Aramco facilities and export infrastructure. Oil markets have priced in supply risks with Brent trading near $103–108 per barrel, though Saudi Aramco has restored flows and announced plans to expand pipeline and conversion capacity toward 10 million bpd over two to three years. Trader focus centers on whether sustained proxy pressure will force larger military responses or further constrain exports.