The drums of war could once again begin to beat as Saudi Arabia has announced that Iran “unquestionably” launched the attack against its oil reserve several days ago, an act that prompted the U.S. step up its potential military options against that Islamic nation.
Both President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence said that the U.S. was “locked and loaded” to deal with Iran, or whoever carried out the attacks against the Saudis.
With Iran being named the culprit, what actions, if any will the Trump administration and the world community take against Tehran?
Iran has brazenly attacked the global energy market in attempting to ‘strengthen’ their position relative to potential sanctions relief. Free nations must send Iran a strong signal that we will not be blackmailed.” – Senator Marco Rubio
Trump announced that the U.S. would increase sanctions against Iran just as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declared the attack “an act of war” upon landing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
"We were blessed that there were no Americans killed in this attack, but anytime you have an act of war of this nature, there's always risk that that could happen,” said Pompeo “This is an attack of a scale we've just not seen before."
In a statement to The Floridian, Florida Senator Marco Rubio (R), one of the most hawkish members of the U.S. Senate, believes that there should be “no doubt” to anyone that Iran is responsible for the attacks, adding that the U.S. retained “the right” to defend itself and its interests.
Rubio, who has already urged Trump to impose more sanctions, also warned Iran about the consequences it may soon face for exporting terrorism and directing their “proxies to prepare to attack American troops and interests.”
“There should be no doubt that Iran is responsible for the attacks on Saudi oil facilities. America should never be cavalier about our response but we always retain the right to defend ourselves and our interests.
Iran must know that they cannot continue to destabilize the region, export terrorism on a global scale, and direct proxies to prepare to attack American troops and interests without consequence. Iran has brazenly attacked the global energy market in attempting to ‘strengthen’ their position relative to potential sanctions relief. Free nations must send Iran a strong signal that we will not be blackmailed.” – Senator Marco Rubio
