ASSESSMENTS
Saudi Arabia Considers the Consequences of a Strike on Iran
Sep 30, 2019 | 09:00 GMT
![Saudi Defense Ministry spokesman Col. Turki al-Malki displays pieces of what he said were Iranian cruise missiles and drones recovered from an attack on Saudi oil facilities, during a press conference in Riyadh on Sept. 18, 2019.](https://worldview.stratfor.com/sites/default/files/styles/2x1_full/public/ksa-strike-options-display-gettyimages-1169173753.jpg?itok=ItBtYKXp)
Saudi Defense Ministry spokesman Col. Turki al-Malki displays pieces of what he said were Iranian cruise missiles and drones recovered from an attack on Saudi oil facilities, during a press conference in Riyadh on Sept. 18, 2019. Saudi Arabia will have to think long and hard about the consequences of attacking Iran.
(FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP/Getty Images)
Highlights
- Determined to avoid becoming further embroiled in the Middle East, the United States will push Saudi Arabia to take the lead in any potential military strike on Iran.
- But if Riyadh chooses to stage such an attack, it will have to contend with the consequences that the more credible its actions, the more significant Iran's retaliation could be.
- Ultimately, Saudi Arabia has the means to strike back, but it will find it difficult to insulate itself from subsequent Iranian counterstrikes.
- Accordingly, Riyadh will seek as much U.S. assistance and backing as possible before it proceeds.