Saudi Arabia is reportedly nearing a decision to authorize airstrikes inside Iran following a series of missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi territory, according to reporting from Fox News national security correspondent Jennifer Griffin.
Griffin said military and diplomatic sources in the region indicated the situation is rapidly escalating, with the next 24 hours expected to be critical as Saudi officials weigh a potential military response.
“Military and diplomatic sources in the region tell me, Saudi Arabia is very close to allowing its air force to strike targets inside Iran after facing unprecedented missile and drone attacks on its civilians, including incoming missiles today targeting Daman, its fifth largest city.”
Here’s What They’re Not Telling You About Your Retirement
The possible move would mark a significant escalation in the conflict between Iran and regional powers. Griffin said sources warned that the coming hours could be decisive.
“Quote, The next 24 hours is going to be intense. I’m told a line has been crossed.”
According to Griffin, a senior official in the Gulf described the situation as historically significant because of the military coordination now possible between Israel and U.S. Central Command.
“A well placed official in the Gulf tells me what’s truly extraordinary Harris about this development is that it would not have been possible if Israel had not been brought in under us, central command at the end of the first Trump administration.”
This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year
The integration of Israel under U.S. Central Command occurred during President Donald Trump’s administration and followed diplomatic normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations known as the Abraham Accords. Griffin noted that the change allowed for closer operational coordination among regional partners.
“carrying out air strikes takes tremendous de confliction and coordination.”
Before the shift, Israel was placed under a different U.S. military command structure due to sensitivities among Arab states that did not recognize Israel.
“CENTCOM used to be attached, or, excuse me, Israel used to be attached to the European Command due to sensitivities with the Arab states that did not recognize Israel.”
Griffin said that arrangement changed following the Abraham Accords, which established diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab governments and opened the door to closer military coordination.
“That changed with the Abraham Accords.”
The rising tensions come after Iranian drones reportedly struck the U.S. Embassy compound in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Griffin said the attack involved Iranian Shahed drones, though the facility was largely empty at the time and no American personnel were harmed.
“no US personnel were killed or injured when the US Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was struck last night by at least two Iranian Shahid drones.”
Griffin added that the embassy compound did not sustain casualties because the building was mostly unoccupied when the drones struck.
“The Embassy was largely empty at the time.”
As regional tensions escalate, Griffin said different countries are focusing on separate targets as part of the broader confrontation with Iran.
“There is a division of labor right now in terms of targeting.”
According to Griffin, Israel is currently focusing its operations on Iranian leadership figures and key decision-makers within the country.
“Israel is targeting Iranian leadership, like that meeting that Trey mentioned of top religious scholars in Qom earlier today.”
Griffin said the gathering in Qom involved senior religious leaders who were reportedly meeting to discuss succession planning for Iran’s highest political authority.
“Where Iran’s remaining top religious leaders were meeting to decide the successor to the Supreme Allied leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.”
WATCH:
The developments come as military forces across the region prepare for possible escalation if Saudi Arabia moves forward with strikes inside Iranian territory. Officials in the Gulf region have warned that the coming hours could determine whether the conflict expands further across the Middle East.
Warning: Account balances and purchasing power no longer tell the same story. Know in 2 minutes if your retirement is working for you.
Read the full article here


