Washington is currently on high alert after Saudi Arabia shared intelligence with US government officials regarding a potential attack on the Kingdom from Iran.
As first reported by the Wall Street Journal, the Pentagon on Tuesday received credible information about an imminent attack on Saudi Arabia, which could happen “soon or within 48 hours.” The Biden administration said it will respond accordingly should the threat materialize; however, US embassies and consulates in the region haven’t yet provided guidance or alerts to American nationals in Saudi Arabia. “We’re in regular contact with our Saudi partners, in terms of what information they may have to provide on that front,” Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said in a statement cited by AP.
“But what we’ve said before, and I’ll repeat it, is that we will reserve the right to protect and defend ourselves no matter where our forces are serving, whether in Iraq or elsewhere,” he added. Iran has supposedly launched multiple missile attacks and armed drones into northern Iraq in the direction of a US army base, shortly after the Biden administration criticized Tehran over its clampdown on demonstrations protesting Iran’s military support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. Iran, for its part, is accusing the US and Saudi Arabia of inciting dissent among ordinary Iranians.
Meanwhile, tensions between the Biden administration and Riyadh have been running high, after the kingdom— in cooperation with other OPEC members, refused to heed Washington’s demands to increase oil output, instead opting to slash production by 2 million barrels per day beginning in November. In response, the White House said it is re-evaluating its close ties with Saudi Arabia, accusing the country of financially supporting fellow OPEC member Russia’s military operation in Ukraine.
Information for this briefing was found via AP and the WSJ. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
