Shea Levin — text status

Iraq is facing possible U.S. sanctions after drones launched from Iraqi territory struck Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline, Al-Mada reports. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi initially closed Iraq’s border crossings with Iran following the attack but reversed the decision after objections from Iraqi Shi’ite politicians, who argued the closure amounted to joining the U.S. blockade against Iran. Al-Zaidi also dismissed the Maysan police chief and transferred other senior security officials in the province. U.S. officials are weighing their response to the strikes amid declining American strategic and diplomatic influence in Iraq.