A drone attack on September 10 temporarily shut down the East-West oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia, a critical infrastructure designed to transport oil for export should the vital Strait of Hormuz be blocked by conflict or other disruptions. This incident has raised concerns about the role of powerful pro-Iranian armed groups in neighboring Iraq, which Saudi Arabia has accused of conducting recent attacks on its oil facilities. Tensions have been heightened by a joint military operation in late July, where Saudi Arabia and the United States targeted these pro-Iranian factions, escalating regional hostilities. The Iraqi daily newspaper Az-Zaman questioned the motives behind the drone attack, noting the lack of clear answers to who might benefit from such an action. The paper expressed concerns about the possibility of a military escalation originating from Iraqi territory, given the complex political and military dynamics in the region. These concerns reflect the fragile nature of the situation, where regional powers and local actors are deeply intertwined. The pro-Iranian armed groups have denied responsibility for the drone attack, with the Islamic Resistance in Iraq calling the accusations an "honor that we do not claim," according to the newspaper Al-Muraqeb Al-Iraqi. This denial comes as these groups continue to assert their influence in Iraq, often challenging the authority of the central government. The Islamic Resistance and other pro-Iranian factions have also criticized the Iraqi government, led by Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaïdi, for acting too quickly in response to the attack. They warn against what they describe as the government's "haste," suggesting that any military response should be carefully considered to avoid further destabilization. This internal critique highlights the delicate balance of power within Iraq, where different factions vie for influence amid regional tensions.