<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Two major oil facilities in Saudi Arabia were hit this weekend by a combination of drones and cruise missiles believed to have been launched from Iran. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The surprise attack suspended more than 50% of crude output from Saudi Arabia (5% of the global oil supply) and reduced daily output by 5.7 million barrels. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Saudi’s air defense systems were unable to block the attack because they were pointing south in anticipation of missiles coming from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The Houthis immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but investigators say there is no evidence the projectiles came from that direction. </span><span class="s1">Iran denies any involvement in the attack.</span></p>
<p>A US team in Saudi Arabia is studying the wreckage to learn more about the origin of the attack. Investigators say they<span class="s1"> expect to present a “very compelling forensic case” that Iran launched “a complex and coordinated attack.”</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Vice President Mike Pence on Tuesday said the US was “locked and loaded” in preparation to defends its allies in the Middle East, but lawmakers are calling for caution.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">“Any kind of significant action should get the &#8216;okay&#8217; of Congress,” said Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY). “My worry here is that they will bumble into war, even if they don’t want one. They will bumble into it because they haven’t had a strategy.”</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">“I don’t think we need to be the protector of Saudi Arabia,” added Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA). </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will visit the kingdom this week to discuss the US response. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>Author’s Note:</strong> The United States and Saudi Arabia are allies, but any response to Iran’s attack should be led by the Saudis.</span></p>
<p><strong>Editor’s Update:</strong> It appears that the drones were launched from Iranian territory. The proof is mounting. Trump is traveling to Saudi Arabia to discuss possible responses.</p>