Simon Waldman, CAPX: Why Iran is risking war with Saudi Arabia and America
* Shia Iran and Sunni Saudi Arabia have engaged in a proxy conflict for years
* Trump’s Iran policy of maximum pressure is working
* Iran's belligerent moves are an attempt to gain leverage in advance of any renegotiation of the Iran nuclear deal
Although the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed responsibility for last week’s attack on Saudi Arabia’s Abqaiq oil processing plant, the audacious operation looks like the handiwork of the Islamic Republic of Iran. It is even emerging that the drones or cruise missiles were fired directly from Iranian soil.
Stirrings of war are on the horizon. President Donald Trump warned that a US response is “locked and loaded” and the Saudi King and Crown Prince are not best pleased.
For years, Shia Iran and Sunni Saudi Arabia have engaged in a proxy conflict. Currently, the regional rivals support different sides in the civil wars in Syria and Yemen. But why would Iran instigate a direct attack against Saudi Arabia and risk conflict not only with Riyadh, but possibly the United States as well? The attack seems especially irrational considering the timing. Just days earlier there was credible talk about a potential meeting between Trump and his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani at the United Nations. Meanwhile, Trump fired his hawkish national security advisor John Bolton, indicating a willingness to ease some sanctions.
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WNU Editor: The official Iranian FARS News agency has answered the question on why Iran is willing to risk a war with the U.S. and Saudi Arabia .... "Iran brought down Jimmy Carter & will bring down @realDonaldTrump
