Your Trusted Source for National Security News & Analysis

January 19th, 2025 | 2:53 AM ET

The Drone Attack on Oil and the Larger Iran Problem

View of the pumpjack in the oil well of the oil field. The arrangement is commonly used for onshore wells producing little oil. Pumpjacks are common in oil-rich areas.
Tweet
Share
Pin
Share
0 Shares
Posted: September 16th, 2019

By Norman T. Roule

Norman Roule is a geopolitical and energy consultant who served for 34 years in the Central Intelligence Agency, managing numerous programs relating to Iran and the Middle East. As NIM-I at ODNI, he was responsible for all aspects of national intelligence policy related to Iran, including IC engagement with senior policymakers in the National Security Council and the Department of State.

When a series of drones were used to attack a key Saudi oil facility over the weekend, the impact on oil production was noted by global markets.  Oil prices spiked as the attack was believed to impact more than half of Saudi Arabia’s daily exports.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility, but U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo placed the blame squarely on Tehran as the rest of the world awaits further evidence.  Iran has denied it is behind the attack. 

Access all of The Cipher Brief’s national security-focused expert insight by becoming a Cipher Brief Subscriber+ Member.

Sign Up Log In

Categorized as:Middle East ReportingTagged with:

Related Articles

Search

Close