Gulf on edge? Saudi signals military response after Iran’s Aramco oil refinery strike

Key Highlights

• “It depends if this is seen as a direct attack on Aramco by the Iranian leadership or a rogue drone that just came close,” the source told AFP, referring to the state energy giant.
• “At this stage I think Saudi will watch and wait.” Also read | Iran claims ‘surprise’ Kheibar missile strike on Israel PM Netanyahu's office The development adds a new layer of risk to global energy markets already rattled by missile exchanges between Israel and Iran, attacks on shipping near the Strait of Hormuz, and strikes on military and energy assets across the region.
• Military retaliation remains on the table if Riyadh concludes that Tehran is orchestrating a sustained campaign against its oil network, the source said.
• Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest crude exporter and a cornerstone of global supply.
• Saudi Arabia would target “Iranian oil facilities if Iran mounts a concerted attack on Aramco”, the source added.