Regarding the fake reasons for "responding" to Iran's UNCONFIRMED drone attack on Saudi oil site

On SAUDI ARABIA.   FFS.  We don't have a mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia.  Also, Saudi Arabia has, for several years, been at war with Yemen, who, by the way, HAS CLAIMED CREDIT FOR THE BOMBING.

From the Yemeni perspective, the attacks on Saudi Arabia’s oil jugular represent long-awaited reprisals for a Saudi-led bombing campaign that has killed thousands of Yemeni civilians since 2015.


Meanwhile, Yemen, the Middle East’s poorest country, is collapsing as a viable state, overcome by famine, disease, and chaos.

[...]

Iran’s involvement has increased over time.

[...]

Trump’s reneging on the Iran nuclear deal and re-imposing US sanctions has poured oil on the fire.

Iran’s oil exports have not just been cut off, but its market share has been handed to Saudi Arabia. This alone would trigger Iranian reprisal. But Trump has also emboldened Iranian hardliners by declaring that the US seeks to avoid war.

In other words, US policy toward Iran now has no carrot and no stick.


  Forbes

That is the only way Trump knows how to act. He's one big bundle of nerves striking back each time he feels he's been hit. And he has absolutely no one with half a brain to conduct any type of foreign policy - only sycophants. Anyone who might try to seriously advise him has been shot down and fired.

Washington should leverage the attacks on Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure that have caused unprecedented outage to push for a resolution to the disastrous war in Yemen. Riyadh needs an exit strategy, now.

They won't get it from Washington.

Trump realizes his sanctions are driving Tehran to desperation.

Which pleases him no end, I'm sure. He loves to score hits on others.

What is Trump’s plan? One day he agrees to negotiate. The next day he’s talking war. To most observers, it looks like the US president has no idea.

It looks that way because it is that way.

Changes have taken place in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. These two US allies used to be far more cautious. Both preferred to work with Washington, with ruling sheikhs making their concerns known behind closed doors.

Now, the two monarchies have adopted far more confrontational and independent approaches to the region.

Because there's no leadership in Washington, and the president is an easy mark.

We should expect Iran to continue disrupting the Persian Gulf oil business – and reviving its nuclear program– until Washington lifts those sanctions. The sooner United States gets back to the negotiating table the better.

Don't hold your breath.

...but hey, do what you want...you will anyway.