Thread by @michaelh992

Saudi Arabia and the US are on high alert after a warning of a possible imminent Iranian attack
wsj.com/articles/saudi…

This may seem like it comes out of nowhere, but it doesn't. #Iran may have several reasons to attack the Kingdom >>

#Iran (and its proxies in Iraq for instance) have often equated "jihadists" with Saudi Arabia. The recent #ISIS attack in Shiraz may encourage a "response" (despite the fact that Riyadh has nothing to do with the attack).

#Iran has also sent a clear warning to Saudi Arabia regarding coverage of the #IranProtests by some outlets believed to be tied to the Kingdom, including Iran International

This may be a chance for Tehran to "hit back" at what it sees as a true threat given how the outlet's social media audience has grown, including for English-speakers, at a time when pressure is growing to sanction the Islamic Republic.

An attack would also be in line with the regime's own narrative that the unrest (led by university and high-school students, women) is a "foreign plot" by "enemy agents".

Hitting back at this imaginary "plot" would justify that narrative, serve as a show of strength and deterrence. It's a risky gamble, but one Iran may be considering given the circumstances.