US Offers Defensive Assurances to Saudi Arabia If Iran Attacks
- Gulf leaders wary of being embroiled in Israel-Iran conflict
- Israel expected to retaliate against Iran for missile attack
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The US has signaled to Saudi Arabia it’s ready to help defend the kingdom against an attack by Iran or its proxies, as Gulf states grow increasingly wary of being embroiled in the standoff between the Islamic Republic and Israel, people familiar with the matter said.
The tacit offer, made in the past few weeks, has given Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other Gulf Arab leaders some comfort as they await Israel’s response to Iran’s Oct. 1 missile attack, said the people, asking not to be identified discussing sensitive issues. Gulf states fear any escalation of the conflict could severely hurt their economic and security interests, the people said.