Iran increases attacks on Gulf oil infrastructure

Iran struck a Saudi oil refinery and launched eight ballistic missiles toward the capital, Riyadh, yesterday, while several regional diplomats were visiting. This came a day after its major attack on Qatar’s massive Ras Laffan natural gas facilities, which was largely intercepted and yet succeeded in causing damage that the Qataris say will take five years to repair. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud said that if Iran continues to target economic resources, “we have reserved the right to take military actions if deemed necessary.” With each passing day, Iran’s ability and willingness to use military-scale weapons on civilian energy infrastructure and shipping in nonbelligerent countries becomes an increasingly crucial factor.