Iran’s attack on the Saudis merits retaliation — but from the Saudis – Washington Examiner

Iran’s attack on two Saudi oil facilities on Saturday is a challenge to the Saudis as well as to the American-led international order. Iran deserves a forceful retaliation.

And the Saudis are the ones who should deliver it.

After all, it was Saudi Arabia that was attacked, and Saudi Arabia’s oil-export dependent economy affected. It is also Saudi Arabia’s credibility now most at risk.

For reasons of historic theology and contemporary disagreement, Iran regards Saudi Arabia as its preeminent adversary after Israel. As long as Iran can act against Riyadh without suffering serious blowback, it will do so. This aggressive impulse will not end even if the United States and Iran renegotiate a new nuclear agreement. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman thus has a serious problem that he and not President Trump should now resolve.

Trump has consistently advocated an “America first” foreign policy, and he has correctly stated that the U.S. should not be the world’s policeman. If we are to expend our blood and treasure, it should be for the protection of the U.S.

The Saudi government, meanwhile, ought to protect its subjects and its territorial integrity. The Saudis have the means to do this. Their military is well-equipped with hundreds of ballistic missiles and dozens of advanced F-15 and Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. These forces could destroy certain Iranian targets from launch positions well outside of Iran’s effective air defense range.

A Saudi military strike against Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which is responsible for attacking Saudi oil facilities, or against Iran’s energy infrastructure, would educate the Iranian hardliners to Saudi Arabia’s newfound resolve. Iran has traditionally regarded Saudi Arabia as hesitant to defend its own interests, and Saudi retaliation would thus alter that calculation. It would show Tehran that Saudi Arabia’s young ruler is willing to defend his nation. Saudi retaliation would thus stabilize the Middle Eastern balance of power by equalizing deterrent calculations.

If the Saudis act against Iran in a limited, proportionate manner, Trump can say aloud that that the U.S. approves. Trump should also make clear that Iranian counter-retaliation against Saudi Arabia will draw U.S. military action in response.

But the basic point stands: Unless the Saudis are willing to act in defense of their own interests, Iran will continue smelling blood in their oil.

The most appropriate action here is the simplest. Saudi Arabia has been attacked by Iran in a flagrant breach of international law. It has the right to self-defense, and both Saudi Arabia and America would benefit from its choice to use it.