US Concerned Iran May 'Attack' Saudi Arabia Soon: 'We Will Not Hesitate To Act In Defense'

The U.S. has expressed concerns about threats that Iran poses to Saudi Arabia and says it would not hesitate to respond if necessary.

What Happened: "We are concerned about the threat picture, and we remain in constant contact through military and intelligence channels with the Saudis," a National Security Council spokesperson said on Tuesday, reported Reuters.

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"We will not hesitate to act in the defense of our interests and partners in the region," the spokesperson added.

Comments from the U.S. were prompted by a Wall Street Journal report that said Saudi Arabia and the U.S. are on high alert as Riyadh warned Washington of an imminent attack from Tehran on targets in the kingdom.

The WSJ report citing Saudi and U.S. officials reported that Saudi Ara­bia, the U.S. and other countries in the Middle East had elevated the level of alert for their mil­i­tary forces. The Associated Press also later quoted a U.S. official saying an attack could occur "soon or within 48 hours."

Saudi and U.S. relations are under major strain after the Riyadh-led OPEC+ alliance in October decided to cut oil output targets, which raised fears of a gasoline price increase in the U.S.

President Joe Biden also expressed disappointment and warned that this would have consequences for U.S. and Saudi relations.

The Biden administration has alleged that Iran has supplied Vladimir Putin with drones for its war in Ukraine, which Tehran has denied. Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said if proven Moscow has used Iranian drones in the Ukraine war, Tehran will not remain indifferent.

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