US backs Saudi Arabia’s ‘right to defend itself’, says Pompeo

DUBAI: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday that America backs Saudi Arabia’s “right to defend itself ” after a weekend attack targeted the heart of its oil industry, comments coming after he described the assault as an “act of war.”

The attacks have reignited fears over a wider conflagration in the region, as tensions remain high over Iran’s collapsing nuclear deal with world powers.

Pompeo’s comments on Twitter came as he was in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia, after meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom’s defense minister.

The Saudis on Wednesday displayed missile and drone wreckage at a press conference, and cited other evidence they alleged shows the raid was “unquestionably sponsored by Iran.”

Iran, which has denied involvement in the attack, warned the US it will retaliate immediately if it is targeted.

Pompeo wrote his tweet early Thursday after his meeting with Prince Mohammed over Saturday’s drone and cruise missile attack on a crucial oil processing facility and oil field.

Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have claimed the attack, but the US alleges Iran carried out the assault.

Pompeo called the attacks “unprecedented.”

“The US stands with #Saudiarabia and supports its right to defend itself,” Pompeo said.

“The Iranian regime’s threatening behaviour will not be tolerated.”

Pompeo did not elaborate. President Donald Trump has been noncommittal on whether he would order US military retaliation. He separately said Wednesday he is moving to increase financial sanctions on Tehran over the attack, without elaborating.

Iran already is subject to a crushing American sanctions program targeting its crucial oil industry.

Pompeo was to next visit the United Arab Emirates to meet with Abu Dhabi’s powerful crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.