Saudi oil attacks originated from Iran, says U.S. official

The United States believes the attacks that crippled Saudi Arabian oil facilities last weekend originated in south-western Iran, a U.S. official told Reuters, an assessment that further increases tension in the Middle East.

Three officials, speaking to Reporters on condition of anonymity, said the attacks involved cruise missiles and drones, indicating that they involved a higher degree of complexity and sophistication than initially thought.

Saudi state television said the Saudi Defense Ministry will hold a media conference on Wednesday that will show evidence of Iran’s involvement in the Aramco attacks, including the use of Iranian weapons.

The officials did not provide evidence or explain what U.S. intelligence they were using for the evaluations. Such intelligence, if shared publicly, could further pressure Washington, Riyadh and others to respond, perhaps militarily.

1. Zainab Sa’id