One of Saudi Arabia’s major oil facilities was attacked on September 14th by 18 drones and 7 missile strikes at approximately 17 impact points. The attack impacted not only Saudi Arabia, but also the international oil industry due to Saudi Arabia being the world’s 3rd largest oil producer. Houthis rebels, who have control of Yemen and are backed by Iran, claimed responsibility; however, the Saudi Arabian government has proven that the Iranians were behind the attack. One of many ways that Saudi Arabia has proven that Yemen wasn’t behind the attack was that the extent of the attack was past the capabilities of Iran’s proxy, Yemen. Geographically speaking, Saudi Arabia is a neighboring country to both Yemen and Iran. While an attack from Iran is a more significant threat than that of Yemen (since Iran is a more powerful state than Yemen), an attack from either, or even any unrest such as the Yemeni Civil War, is still cause for concern for Saudi Arabia. Iran and Saudi Arabia have been longtime enemies due to religious differences; Saudi Arabia is majority Sunni and Iran is majority Shia. Additionally, their fight for regional dominance is another major factor for the two countries’ rivalry. Currently Iran is denying any involvement in the attack even with Saudi Arabia’s proof. Iran’s aggression with the attack is an escalation of the issues occurring in the Middle East. The attack on Saudi Arabia by Iran involves Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, although the U.S. is also involved and has sided with Saudi Arabia on the involvement of the Iranians. The U.S. has been allies with Saudi Arabia since 1945, and the relationship continues mostly due to Saudi Arabia’s oil production. Since the attack was on Saudi Arabia’s oil production and because of the U.S. and Saudi Arabia’s alliance, the U.S. had to comment. The U.S.’ Secretary of State, Vice President, and President have all commented on the attacks with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo calling it an “act of war”, and Vice President Mike Pence and President Donald Trump tweeting that the U.S is “locked and loaded”. Pompeo went to Saudi Arabia after the attack, causing Iran to comment, saying that if there is a response due to the drone and missile strike on Saudi Arabia, then it will result in an “all out war”. None of the countries want an “all out war” meaning that they the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and Iran are working to attempt to de escalate the situation. Trump recently responded with an increase in sanctions for Iran, devastating Iran’s international economy. The foreign policy of Trump is to not be involved in a war in the Middle East, therefore the Trump Administration has chosen economic sanctions for Iran instead of military action in an effort to pressure Iran and its economy. The situation is still evolving, and it is uncertain at the time what future actions Iran, the U.S., and Saudi Arabia will take.
