The Saudi-Iran Rivalry Isn’t New, but It’s Getting Riskier by the Hour

In the wake of Saturday’s attack on Saudi Arabia’s main oil production facility, Iran’s leaders find themselves in what must feel like an unfamiliar position. Despite the widespread view that Tehran is (directly or indirectly) responsible for the strikes, very few observers are calling for the massive military response that might have been expected.
To Tehran, that probably feels like a victory. But this is a very dangerous game with lots of moving parts.
On Wednesday morning, President Trump announced new sanctions on Iran. The leaders in Tehran shrugged and kept working on their next act of disruption.