Possible US military action against Iran following attacks in Saudi Arabia

Shaimaa Hefzi

Latest Iranian attacks on two oil facilities in Saudi Arabia have shocked international oil markets and raised concerns over the future of the international economy.

Saudi Arabia described the attacks as a “new 9/11”. The United States referred to possible escalation against Iran.

US Vice-President Mike Pence said on September 17 that Iran is the largest sponsor of terrorism in the world. He accused the Islamic Republic of constituting major threats to security and stability in the region.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo travelled to Saudi Arabia on September 17 to discuss the attacks.

Pence revealed that US intelligence works to revise evidence related to the attack on the two Saudi oil facilities. He said the US army is on high alert following the attacks.

Mission

Pence’s statements came only a day after US President Donald Trump said he would enter a new conflict with Iran only if he has to.

He added on September 16 that the US was confirming Iran’s links to the attacks on the two Saudi oil facilities.

The US president noted that his country had the most modern military.

He added, however, that Saudi Arabia would foot the bill of any support his country would offer it.

Saudi Arabia, Trump said, had spent $400 billion in the US in the past few years.

He said Pompeo’s mission in Saudi Arabia would be to agree with the Saudis on the action that should be taken in the coming few days.

Possible escalation

Political science professor at Cairo University Tarek Fahmi expected the expected US escalation against Iran to be gradual.

“Military action is usually preceded by a lot of procedures,” Fahmi told The Reference.

He said a political option is still on the table in the light of the statements made by the US president.

Fahmi referred to difficulties within Trump’s administration on reaching a unified decision for military action against Iran.