President Donald Trump has publicly pointed to Iran as the likely culprit behind the drone attack that shut Saudi Arabia’s vital East-West oil pipeline.
Asked by reporters in Dublin on Saturday whether Iran was responsible, Trump said:
“I think they are, probably they are.”
Trump also confirmed that he had spoken with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The remarks mark a significant escalation in the public attribution of the attack. Iraq has confirmed the drones were launched from Iraqi territory, but neither Iraq nor Saudi Arabia has publicly identified the attacking organisation.
Trump also said the Iran-aligned Houthis had contacted his administration and indicated that they did not want the United States to become directly involved.
The distinction between established evidence and political attribution could now become critical if the attack is used to justify retaliation.
More to follow.
Source: Reuters
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