[Gulf Nations Plan Massive Investment in Pipeline Export Projects to Bypass the Strait of Hormuz] Odaily Planet Daily News - According to the Financial Times, Gulf nations are reassessing costly pipeline projects to bypass the strategic chokepoint of the Strait of Hormuz, amid threats of potential long-term control by Iran. Government officials and industry executives have pointed out that although these pipeline projects are expensive, politically complex, and take years to complete, they may be the only way to reduce the Gulf nations' reliance on the strait. The current conflict has further highlighted the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia's 1,200-kilometer-long "East-West Pipeline." Built in the 1980s to address concerns over the closure of the strait during the Iran-Iraq "Tanker War," the pipeline has now become a critical lifeline, transporting 7 million barrels of crude oil daily to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, completely bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia is currently exploring ways to export more crude oil via pipelines, with specific plans including expanding the capacity of the "East-West Pipeline" or opening new routes. (Jin10)