Israel and Iran Built Secret Oil Pipeline; Saudi Arabia May Be Key User
- Israel and Iran jointly built a secret oil pipeline in the 1990s, now possibly usable for Saudi crude exports.
- The pipeline runs from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean, bypassing the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz.
- Saudi Arabia may use the pipeline to avoid potential blockades, reflecting shifting regional alliances.
A decades-old secret oil pipeline built by Israel and Iran is back in the spotlight. Reports indicate that Saudi Arabia may now be the most likely beneficiary of this infrastructure. The pipeline, constructed during the 1990s, runs from the Red Sea port of Eilat in Israel to the Mediterranean port of Ashkelon.
The Pipeline's Secret History
According to sources, the pipeline was a joint project between Israel and Iran before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. At the time, Iran was a key ally of Israel under the Shah. The pipeline was designed to transport Iranian crude oil to European markets.
After the revolution, the pipeline fell into disuse. Israel maintained the infrastructure but kept its existence quiet. The pipeline has a capacity of around 1.2 million barrels per day.
Why Saudi Arabia Needs It Now
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have made the pipeline relevant again. Saudi Arabia faces potential blockades at two critical chokepoints: the Strait of Hormuz, controlled by Iran, and the Bab el-Mandeb strait near Yemen.
The pipeline offers an alternative route. Saudi crude could be shipped to Eilat, pumped across Israel to Ashkelon, and then loaded onto tankers for European and American markets. This bypasses both the Suez Canal and the volatile straits.
Shifting Alliances
The potential use of this pipeline signals a major shift in regional dynamics. Saudi Arabia and Israel have no formal diplomatic relations, but they share common concerns about Iran's influence. Reports suggest that behind-the-scenes talks have taken place.
Analysts note that the pipeline could also serve as a hedge against future conflicts. If the Strait of Hormuz were closed, Saudi Arabia would lose access to nearly 90% of its oil exports. The Israel-Iran pipeline offers a strategic outlet.
Technical and Political Hurdles
There are significant obstacles. The pipeline requires upgrades and maintenance after years of disuse. Environmental concerns also exist, as the route passes through densely populated areas in Israel.
Politically, any deal would be controversial. Arab states have historically avoided public cooperation with Israel on energy projects. However, the Abraham Accords have changed the calculus for some nations.
What the Data Shows
Industry data suggests that Saudi Arabia exported about 6.5 million barrels per day in 2025. Even if only a fraction of that goes through the pipeline, it would provide critical flexibility.
Officials have not confirmed any active negotiations. But the logic is clear: in a region where pipelines are often targets, having a secret, secure route is a valuable asset.
What happens next depends on whether the involved governments can overcome decades of mistrust. The pipeline remains a physical reminder of a time when Iran and Israel were allies. It may now serve a different purpose entirely.