Iran says Israel masterminded drone attack on Saudi refinery; what is the aim?

Iran has openly accused Israel as the principal actor behind the drone attack on a facility owned by oil giant Saudi Aramco, describing the incident as a ‘false flag’ operation.

Tasnim News Agency, Iran’s Tasnim, quotes a military source commenting on foreign involvement in the attack within Saudi territory, saying the aim is to deflect attention from alleged ‘crimes’ by Israel against civilian sites in Iran.

The military source clarified Iran’s position regarding strategic targets in the Middle East: ‘Iran has openly stated that it will target all American and Israeli interests in the region, and has attacked many of them so far, but Aramco facilities have not been among Iran’s targets to date.’

Additionally, the source said that intelligence indicates a plan to sabotage the UAE, with the Fujairah port in the UAE identified as a potential next target for Israel in a false-flag operation, and that the regime intends to strike it.

The report follows an attack on one of Saudi Aramco’s facilities in eastern Saudi Arabia by a drone on Monday local time. Industry sources told Reuters the company took emergency measures following the explosion.

‘Saudi Aramco has closed its Ras Tanura refinery as a precaution after the drone attack, with officials saying the situation is under control,’ the sources said.