The recent drone strikes on Saudi oil facilities have escalated tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and have fueled speculation of how the U.S. will respond to the flagrant attack on an important ally. In the coming days, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will sit down with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while Iranian President Hassan Rouhani plans to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York—leaving open a broad range of possible responses and repercussions.
For those wondering "what's next?" 91ÆÞÓÑ Institute's experts frame the challenges ahead for the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and Iran.
91ÆÞÓÑ experts weigh in on how the oil field attack will affect U.S. strategy in the region:
Blaise Misztal:
"The U.S. has pursued unilateral sanctions, confident that, with time, they would change Iranian behavior. Iran’s latest attack is meant to shake U.S. commitment to this response. Instead, it presents an opportunity for the U.S. to build broader coalitions across the Middle East, Europe, and Pacific that will bolster regional defenses and increase pressure on Iran."
Eric Brown:
“American strategists must first recognize that the Islamic Republic of Iran’s unelected rulers are making their once great country into a vassal of the world's most malevolent anti-Muslim power, the Chinese Communist Party. "
Michael Watson:
"Neither President Trump nor Congress want a prolonged conflict in the Middle East, and the oil price has not increased enough yet to force them do anything. Meanwhile, Khamenei publicly ruled out negotiations, so there is little chance of a breakthrough at the UN General Assembly. Slow escalation is likely."
Mike Pregent:
"Whether the attack was launched by the IRGC or a proxy, Iran is responsible. The Houthis claimed credit for the attack in an attempt to hide this new front against Saudi Arabia. The U.S. will continue to increase the defensive capabilities of our allies, present intelligence to the international community, and apply maximum pressure. This is what war with Iran looks like, and their goal is to increase these provocations until Europe caves."
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