President Trump said Saturday in Dublin that Iran was probably behind the aerial attack that shut Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline. Asked whether Iran was responsible, he told reporters, “I think they are, probably they are,” according to CNN and Al Arabiya English (Reuters).
He also linked an end to the conflict to U.S. midterms and said oil prices would fall once fighting stopped. “I think very soon. I think it’ll be probably right after the mid-terms. They’re trying to hold out as long as they can to complicate the election. But I think people are wise to it,” he said, per Reuters. “When that happens, oil prices will come tumbling down.”
Saudi Arabia had already shut the pipeline after Thursday drone strikes that Riyadh said were launched from Iraq. Trump called Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a “good friend” and said things would work out. He also said Houthis preferred the U.S. stay out. Investigators have not confirmed an attacker; Iran has denied responsibility.
Sources: Al Arabiya English / Reuters (Dublin; “probably they are”; Houthis prefer U.S. out; MBS good friend); CNN (same exact quote; Iran denial note); The Daily Star / Reuters (midterms; oil prices will come tumbling down); Iran International (attribution plus midterms/oil).
