Iran's Arc of Influence

Even if Saudi Arabia does not hit its goals for restoring production capacity after last week's Iranian assault, it may be able to ensure production returns to pre-attack levels of 9.8 million bpd.

The Sept. 14 attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure have laid bare the massive disruptions that conflict in the Middle East can cause, raising several critical questions for companies and regional and global powers.

With its apparent attack on Saudi oil facilities, Iran has decided that maximum provocation is the only palatable antidote to the U.S.'s maximum pressure.

Tehran has threatened for years that if U.S. sanctions stymied its oil flows, it would halt the region's energy exports in response. Iran is now demonstrating its willingness to follow through -- highlighting how little Saudi Arabia can do to stop it.

Saudi Aramco may in fact be able to get most of its production back online in short order, but additional strikes on Saudi oil and gas infrastructure cannot be ruled out.

As indications emerge of an Iranian hand behind the assault, the White House will have to balance its response against the chances of igniting a regional conflagration.

Bolton's departure has the potential to affect U.S. policy on everything from Iran to arms control.

Iran has suspended all of its nuclear research and development commitments, hoping that this time it might finally prompt financial relief from Europe.

Incidents in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria suggest Israel has decided to broaden its offensive against Iranian interests in the region despite the risk of a violent backlash.